A NEWTON-based company geared up for its latest fundraising project by sending two of its employees off on their bikes.

Phil Beech, of Blackburn, and Graham Wilkinson, of Knopp End, near Blackpool, rode a gruelling 210 miles hoping to raise £7,500 to cover half the cost of a new Sunshine Coach for the Variety Club - adding to the 27 that they have already raised funds for in the past seven years.

The pair set out from the Nichols Plc-owned Uddington depot near Glasgow, on the morning of Friday, April 8, leaving fellow employees to take part in a sponsored kilt dress code day.

They arrived back on the Monday afternoon, to a special homecoming welcome from all 80 employees at the Nichols Plc offices, on Aston Road, Newton.

The cyclists have been overwhelmed by the support that they have received regarding their journey.

Mr Beech, aged 47, said: "I've taken part in many sponsored events for charity before, and even run my fair share of marathons, but I never realised how big this would become!"

Mr Wilkinson, aged 37, added: "We've already decided that if we hit our target, we'll do the cycle ride again next year."

The cycle ride is the latest in a long line of charity events held by Nichols Plc, which as well as raising funds for the Variety Club coaches, also provides soft drinks to thousands of children at many variety club events.

John Nichols, the chairman of Nichols Plc, said: "We believe strongly in the Variety Club's cause to enable all children to enjoy a great day out. I'm very happy that two of our employees are taking up such a challenging task for charity."

The total amount raised has not yet been calculated, but with the help and motivation of both Nichols Plc and other local businesses, hopefully the £7,500 target will be met.