RESIDENTS in a Cheshire village have done their bit to help the people of Ukraine by raising hundreds of pounds.

Pickmere Community Group and The Farm Club joined forces on Sunday, March 20, to raise money for the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

The plan was to collectively cycle 540km - which is roughly one-tenth of the journey between the village and Ukraine's capital city Kyiv.

Using training exercise bikes at The Farm Club, the volunteers who donated their legs and lungs to the cause managed to pedal a very impressive 342km instead, and raised £400 in the process.

Northwich Guardian: Pickmere residents cycled 342km to help the people of UkrainePickmere residents cycled 342km to help the people of Ukraine

Simon Read, of Pickmere Community Group, said the residents didn't just want to raise money but show their support too.

He said: "We had many different people calling down to The Farm Club and taking a shift.

"Passers by, volunteers, families and the organisers (Rob Platt and Simon) jumped on cycles or came and had a coffee before donating.

"Several people messaged saying they couldn't get down and had donated directly using the online link.

"The object was to raise money but we also wanted to show our support to the people of the Ukraine and to those people in our village who have family and friends caught up in the invasion."

Northwich Guardian: Pickmere residents raised £400 for the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis AppealPickmere residents raised £400 for the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal

The clerk and chair of Pickmere Parish Council were also among those who came out to support the challenge.

"It was fantastic to see the positive reaction form everybody and we were really pleased to do our bit," Simon added. 

"It was great fun and highly worthwhile."

You can donate to the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal - donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal