A GRAND total of £6,000 was raised for a vital charity at the South Dorset Bikeathon in Crossways.

On the day 176 riders took part in the annual South Dorset Bikeathon in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

The three routes of nine, 20 and 30 miles took the participants through the lanes north of the starting point at Crossways Village Hall.

Last year the event raised £9,000, but although the number of riders were down this year, about £6,000 has already been pledged this year.

For information on next year’s Bikeathon contact Paul Buckrell on 01305 773950 or email spbuckrell@aol.com and to find out more about Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research visit <&bh"http://www.leukaemialymphomaresearch.org.uk">