Hundreds of cyclists sped through Shropshire today as they continued an epic, nine-day, 1,000-mile ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

The cyclists reached the county borders at lunchtime as part of the Ride Across Britain.

Many of the group are from the county, including Shropshire Star journalist Andy Richardson, and were delighted to take time out for a pit-stop and some much needed refreshment at Longden Village Hall.

Pledged

Scores of supporters turned out to cheer the riders on at the halfway point in the 103-mile leg.

Among the first to arrive at the Longden village hall pit stop was 27-year-old Chris Pook, from Shrewsbury. Chris had pledged to lead the ride through Shropshire and be the first paying guest to reach the overnight base camp at Ludlow.

He said: “It’s been fantastic, especially riding through my home county.

“I’m really enjoying the challenge. It’s been pretty hard but I’m pretty determined. I was keen to put a big shift in today.”

Chris and his brother Tom, 20, are doing the ride to support their father after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Proud

Their father Marcus and members of the Pook family were at the roadside in Longden to cheer them on. Marcus said he was very proud of their efforts.

From Longden Village Hall the cavalcade of riders headed south towards the Long Mynd and Much Wenlock, with hundreds of members of the public waving them along.