A GROUP of Wirral freemasons cycled from Chester to London, raising £22,000 for local good causes.

The 16 riders, accompanied by a support team of two more in the support team, covered an average of 40 - 50 miles a day over six days.

The route took them along the canal paths of England.

A freemasons' spokesman said: "Apart from the odd 'summer' storm, a few riders falling in the canal and of course the odd wrong turn (yes you can still do that on canal towpaths), the event was a great success with an added bonus of raising a great deal of money for charity.

"During the ride, many conversations with members of the public took place, answering questions and Freemasonry in general and the event was followed across many social media platforms with nightly blogs and updates streamed live."

The riders came from across Cheshire and several businesses sponsored the team shirts to help support logistical costs such as travel, accommodation and food.

The ride was planned following a challenge set by the Head of Cheshire Freemasons, Stephen Blank, to members to organise events to support the Cheshire Freemasons Charity.

"Senior Freemason John Miller was first to step forward and developed the bike ride initiative, which soon became known as the Q2Q – going from Queen Street Masonic Hall in Chester to the United Garand Lodge of England at Great Queen Street London, following the Shropshire Union Canal to Wolverhampton, then the routes through Birmingham, picking up the Grand Union Canal near Solihull and following that into the heart of London, some 230 miles.

"Senior Freemasons and dignitaries were at the start of the ride and Stephen was there at the end to pour a well-earned glass of Fizz for the shattered adventurers."

In the last 12 months or so, Cheshire Freemasons have given approx. £1million to good causes, nationally Freemasons gave circa £48million during the same period.