STAFF at a farm shop managed to rasie £1,500 for two charities in a grulling cycle ride.

As part of Rumwell Farm Shop's 20th anniversary, 20 staff took part in the bike ride on Sunday, May 21.

It was also to raise money for St Margaret's Hospice and Escape Support Group - the farm shop's two chosen charities. 

Anne Mitchell, joint owner of Rumwell Farm, which is located on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, said: “We wanted to do a team fundraiser for both the charities, which also linked in with our 20th anniversary and the bike ride seemed like a great idea and something that all the team could take part in.

“It went really well and some of the team even did the ride in fancy dress. Everyone finished the 20-miles but some of us are a bit stiff now. The route started and ended at the farm shop.

"We cycled to Hillfarrance, Oake and Halse and on to Ash Priors to Fitzhead and then headed home via Milverton and Nynehead.

“We had some keen cyclists in the group but others were beginners so we had a mixed bag but it was just great to see everyone so keen for the fundraiser.

“We’re delighted to have raised £1,500 from the sponsored bike ride. This was split between St. Margaret’s Hospice and Escape Support Group. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated.”

St Margaret’s Hospice delivers care to patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness.

Last year St. Margaret’s Hospice, which is based in Bishops Hull, cared for more than 3,200 people across Somerset.

Escape Support Group, which is based in Taunton, has been supporting families who have a child, or children, with disabilities or specific individual needs in the Somerset area for 17 years.

Escape’s main aim is to provide fun activities.