STAFF from a Glasgow renewables company used pedal power to raise more than £2000 to help children at Yorkhill Hospital.

A 12-strong team from Absolute Solar and Wind took on a gruelling two-day bike challenge.

They rode 81 miles from Fort William to Inverness in aid of Yorkhill Children's Foundation.

Deliberately taking an unconventional route to make the challenge even tougher, the team went off-road for most of the journey, and at certain points were forced to carry the bikes on their backs.

Terry Doherty, of Absolute Solar and Wind, said: "The work that Yorkhill Hospital does is incredible and we could think of no more deserving charity to raise money for.

"The bike ride was hard going but really good fun as well.

"We had a few punctures between us, a few races and a few hairy moments cycling up and descending down some very steep hills.

"We all did our individual training leading up to the challenge and although it was pretty hard going we did see some amazing views and arriving in Inverness made it all worthwhile."

Laura Donnelly, from Yorkhill Children's Foundation, visited the firm's headquarters in Glasgow's Jordanvale Avenue to accept the cheque for £2082.

Laura said: "We are thankful to Absolute Solar and Wind for their tremendous fundraising achievement.

"The money raised from this fantastic challenge will make a huge impact on the lives of many thousands of children and families each year who are treated at Yorkhill Hospital and its related facilities.

"Without support from generous organisations like Absolute Solar and Wind a lot of what we do would not be possible."

catriona.stewart@ heraldandtimes.co.uk