After enduring heavy rain, gusty winds, steep hills and three tyre punctures, two rugby players completed their Land s End to John O Groats bike ride. Nick Alford and Jack Hilman from Royston Rugby Club were raising money to fund new changing rooms for th

After enduring heavy rain, gusty winds, steep hills and three tyre punctures, two rugby players completed their Land's End to John O'Groats bike ride.

Nick Alford and Jack Hilman from Royston Rugby Club were raising money to fund new changing rooms for their ground at the heath.

They suffered an early setback when the third member of the party, Robert Turner, had to pull out of the trip after injuring his ankle in a match the day before their journey began.

But he supported his teammates in a vehicle during the later stages.

Their trek was not made any easier by the rain that met them in Land's End as they set out, and it followed them for most of their journey, which covered nearly 1,000 miles.

Despite cycling for long periods in wet clothes, the pair remained in high spirits, and were helped by the encouragement they received along the way.

Jack said: "We certainly drew some attention in the hostels we stayed at, and even people in supermarkets asked what we were doing.

"I think people felt sorry for us, and we ended up getting further sponsorship from complete strangers."

After reaching John O'Groats, the pair took a 13-hour train journey back to Royston, where they were given a heroes' welcome by family, friends, and rugby club members.

Anybody who sponsored them can pay by cash or cheque made payable to Royston Rugby Club.

Nick and Jack can be found at the Heath Sports Club on Saturday afternoons where sponsorship can be handed over in person or, alternatively, it can be dropped off at 47 Garden Walk, or 22 Blake Close, Royston.