STAFF from the Greyhound Inn in Siddington have powered through a 24 hour cycling challenge to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Each of the ten-strong team cycled for two hours on an exercise bike and landlord Chris Wright picked up an extra hour at the end of the challenge to help a tired team mate.

He said: “It was a long 24 hours. It was tiring but worth it in the end.”

“We had a standing fan to keep us cool and kept the fire exits open. The locals were all interested in it and gave the riders some stick for it.”

As the challenge entered its final stages disaster struck as part of the bike gave way, leading to a fall for Chris and a series of jokes about him being the only person in the world to have fallen off a static exercise bike.

The bike was leaned against a wall, providing much needed stability for the last leg of the ride.

The final count for funds has reached £460, which will be added to the pub’s fundraising efforts at its beer and music festival this weekend.

On September 6 and 7 the team are hosting a beer and music festival with a selection of beers, ales and ciders to be enjoyed during performances from a line-up of local bands.

As well as the 18 hours of live music there will be a hog roast, market stalls and several activities aimed at younger guests including a bouncy castle and mini-quad bikes.

Entrance to the event will be free and money raised will go towards Alzheimer’s Society.

Several local businesses are supporting the event with discounts and free services but the event is still looking for sponsors and donors to help them raise more and keep costs down.

More information about the event can be found on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/1px70lu and donations can be made at http://bit.ly/1t2PoNG.