WHAT could be nicer at the weekend than a gentle bike ride along the towpath of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal - all 134 miles of it!

That was the challenge tackled by 19 riders from Barnoldswick and the surrounding area, when they set out to raise money for local charities and good causes.

The 134-mile ride was the latest money spinning idea from the Barnoldswick-based Local Charity Support Group. It organises various events with the twin aims of having fun and raising money for local causes.

In the past that has included local cancer care, a special care baby unit, the children's ward at Airedale Hospital, mentally handicapped groups, schools and nurseries and many sick and terminally ill children.

Last weekend's sponsored ride was the group's toughest challenge to date and required special permission from British Waterways to ride the length of the canal towpath. The riders set off from Leeds early on Friday, battling against wind and driving rain to complete the 45-mile "uphill" stretch to the Anchor Inn, at Salterforth.

Barnoldswick's Ghyll Locks mark the highest point on the canal, so although the majority of riding is flat, the riders faced uphill sections at each set of locks, the biggest being at Bingley's five-rise locks.