AN OSWESTRY gym has been doing its bit for Red Nose Day with a gruelling biking challenge.

More than 60 members at the Wynnstay Hotel Coach House along with staff have been taking part in a 16-hour-long biking challenge to raise money for charity.

The first member took to the saddle at 6.30am with members alternating throughout the day until around 10pm.

With constant efforts on the bike throughout the day, the total distance stood at 200km at 4pm.

Fitness instructor Paul Davies said he was pleased with the interest the event generated.

“It’s been great – we’ve had a lot of interest,” he said.

“It’s more than we thought – we could have had two bikes coming to think about it!

“The list has been up for three weeks and we had more than 60 people signed up to take part.

“People can be on the bike for any amount of time between 15 minutes or an hour.

“They are also able to choose how much they bring to donate to charity.

“It’s been quite challenging, everyone who gets on the bike has been asking how far everyone else has done, so it’s been good fun.”

This challenge follows on from previous fundraising attempts in recent years, when the use of the pool and rowing machines being incorporated.

Paul added: “It’s members at the gym and the staff who’ve been taking part.

“It’s something we’ve done before – we’ve had a rowing challenge in the past and a swimathon in the pool here.

“We’ve done a few mud runs before too so it’s been a case of just trying to find something which most people can participate in.

“Andy is set to take on an hour on the bike now, so we’ll see how he gets on!”