Telford College has supported a marathon bike ride which has raised thousands of pounds for the Royal Marines Charity.

The college loaned its minibus to the group, which included public uniformed services tutor Archie Walkerdine, to act as a support vehicle along the route.

The challenge was set up by a group of friends – including several former Royal Marines – to cycle from Bridgnorth Rugby Club to the Royal Marines commando training centre in Devon.

They chose the hottest day of the year to cover the 357 kilometre route: a distance which matches the number of years the marines have been in existence.

But their efforts have already raised more than £2,500 for the Royal Marines Charity, which provides support, advice and friendship to serving and retired marines, and their families.

Archie said: “We set off from Shropshire at midnight and arrived in Devon at 9pm, having cycled throughout what was said to have been the hottest day of the year thus far.

“Telford College kindly supported this event throughout with the use of a minibus which acted as a support vehicle along the route. Without a doubt, we could not have completed this challenge without it.”

Telford College runs a series of courses to prepare people for careers in the public uniformed services, including the army, navy, RAF, police and fire services.

For more details about the latest courses starting in September, see www.telfordcollege.ac.uk/join-us/our-courses/full-time/