The sun shone down on students taking part in a ‘Tour de France’ inspired cycling event.

The Public Services students from Nelson and Colne College cycled a total of 3910 laps of the Steven Burke Cycle Hub – the equivalent distance to the Tour de France – in aid of charity Army of Angels.

Angels provides direct and indirect support to serving and veterans in the British Armed Forces, who have been injured mentally or physically whilst serving in conflicts.  They also support their families and co-dependents.

“We wanted to choose a charity that related to our course, and, as many of the college’s Public Services students join the Armed Forces after college, we felt this was very fitting,” said Abbie Herd, a Level 3 Public Services student.

“We were a little apprehensive about the event, as it is a long distance to cycle, especially for those that are less experienced and it was very hot.  However, fitness is a crucial aspect of our course and we were determined to complete the laps and raise lots of money.  It was a great day!”

The public services students hold a charity event every year as part of their course.

Neil Morville, second year tutor at the college said: “I’m extremely proud of all the students and the hard work and efforts put into making the event a success; they have certainly paid off.

“Each student had 80 laps to complete which is about 50 miles.  We have a great relationship with Pendle council, so they, alongside Cycle Sport Pendle and Pendle Vale College were kind enough to donate bikes to us for the day.”

“The challenge to cycle the same distance as the Tour de France in a day was tough, but we finished well ahead of schedule; a great team effort from everyone involved!”

The Public Services team hope to raise over £1000 for Army of Angels; their motto ‘With Effort We Achieve’; something which was certainly displayed by all who took part on the day.

To find out more about Public Services courses at Nelson and Colne College call 01282 440 272.