A tandem bike ride raced past its initial fundraising target, ensuring a vital door-to-door service is able to continue.

The ride was organised to support the Dorchester Disabled Club which runs monthly shopping trips from Broadmayne, Owermoigne, Maiden Newton, Puddletown and Sandringham Court, into Dorchester town centre.

Irene Calcutt, secretary and treasurer of Dorchester Disabled Club, said: “We are committed to helping our elderly villagers with a door-to-door service provided by the club. Some are frail and need help with their shopping bags and could not cope with public transport.

“To raise additional funds to maintain the bus service, we organised a sponsored tandem bike ride on 16 June with a target to raise £1,000.”

Jason Thorne and partner, Sarah, from Dorchester Disabled Club, Les Fry from Casterbridge Rotary Club, Neil Francis from London Dynamo Cycling Club, and Roxy Way and Jess Nead from For Fitness all took part, cycling 20.6 miles. At the end of the trip they joined the Dorchester Carnival procession and were followed by Dorchester Disabled Club members on scooters.

Les said: “I was asked if I would be prepared to ride a tandem bike for the Dorchester Disabled Club to help them raise funds. Despite never having ridden a tandem and having not been on a bike for about 25 years I agreed.

“The Dorchester Disabled Club does some really good work in and around Dorchester supporting disabled people, helping with much needed transport and putting on events for disabled people to attend.

“It was hard work and tiring but very rewarding knowing we were raising money for a good cause.”

Magna Housing also donated £500 towards the club's target.

Neil Bliss, resident and community engagement officer at Magna, said: “We support the communities we are based in and are pleased to continue sponsoring and supporting the Dorchester Disabled Club. The club provides a vital service for our elderly residents in rural locations who find getting about more difficult than others. We were happy to contribute towards such a worthy cause.”

Irene added: “Thanks to the generous donations we have received, we are heading for £2,000 which is amazing. People are so kind and we are lucky to have such good friends.”