Four friends from Devizes cycled for more than 50 miles along the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath in torrential rain to raise charity funds.

Jack Colyer, 15, Liam O’Donnell, 15, Conor Dunne, 14, and Kofi Pegden, 15, decided to do a cycle ride during the school holidays but were rained on throughout.

They set off at 7.30am last Thursday from Devizes Wharf and reached the other side of Bath before coming back to Devizes and finishing at 5.45pm, completing a 52-mile round trip.

Jack’s mother, Melissa Colyer, of Hopgood Close, Devizes, said: “The rain clouds followed them all the way. They didn’t have much luck and when they arrived back they were so wet and muddy. I think it’s the furthest they have cycled.

“They decided to raise money for Cancer Research because my mum got diagnosed with breast cancer in December and the boys all realised they had been affected in some way. It was such a nice thing for them to do.

“Their target was to raise £500 but they have got over £600 and there is still a lot to collect, they are now looking to raise £900.

“They say they are going to do a cycle ride every year and raise money for different charities.

“They have been firm friends since nursery and went to St Joseph’s School in Devizes together and they are all at St Augustine’s in Trowbridge.”

The four have an online donation site at http://uk.virg inmoneygiving.com/team/jack conorliamkofi