A STEETON endurance athlete has put youngsters through their paces in aid of Help for Heroes.

Sam Boatwright challenged students to take part in a lunchtime fundraising "spin" on static bikes.

The event – at St Bede's in Bradford, where he teaches – raised £52.

"I hope my love of pushing the barriers has rubbed off on the students and that they too realise they can do whatever they choose with a bit of graft," said Mr Boatwright.

Next month, the 32-year-old aims to cycle non-stop from John O'Groats to Land's End to raise money for Help for Heroes.

And he hopes to smash the current world record time for the feat – 44 hours, four minutes and 19 seconds.

Three years ago Mr Boatwright ran around the UK coastline in aid of the same charity.

He covered 2,500 miles in 50 days, raising £20,000.

"No matter what challenge I take on it can never be as hard as those faced by some of the ex-servicemen and women Help for Heroes supports," he added.

E-mail sam@samboatwright.com or visit samboatwright.com to offer support.