A GROUP of Swindon workers left their air-conditioned office to cycle more than 150 miles in sizzling temperatures to raise more than £2,500 for charity.

Paul Miller, 38, a strategic purchasing manager for WH Smith, which has its UK headquarters in Greenbridge, joined 10 other riders to complete the gruelling two-day sponsored ride in June.

The group, who were mainly WH Smith employees, braved record-breaking temperatures and thunderstorms during their trip, which took in some of the highest peaks in the Lake District.

All the sponsorship money will go to the Anthony Nolan Trust, which helps to find life-saving bone marrow for people suffering from illnesses including leukaemia.

Mr Miller said: "The Trust is a charity that is very close to the hearts of the riders.

"We really wanted to do something positive to help raise funds. It was very tough going. We started at 9am and kept going in the heat of the day until 7pm.

"Not everyone was a keen cyclist but everyone overcame pretty hard conditions to complete the ride."