OVER 170 people got on their bikes to raise money for Manorlands.

Organisers of the inaugural mountain bike challenge have hailed the event a huge success.

More than £6,000 was raised for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

Riders could choose from three routes in the Yorkshire Dales, each named after a river in the area.

A 13-mile ride followed a route within the catchment of the River Wharfe, a 25-mile course crossed into the River Aire catchment and a 39-miler took in both areas and the Ribble.

All started and finished at Upper Wharfedale School, Threshfield.

First to complete the longest route were Paul Daly and Gerrard Farre, in three hours, 18 minutes and 34 seconds.

Winning ladies were Louise Hanley and Gemma Towell, in just under four hours 12 minutes.

Fastest on the Aire course was Nick Hindle, in just under one hour 46 minutes. First woman finisher was Josephine Wiseman, in three hours and 23 minutes.

First home on the Wharfe route was Roy Moore, in just under three-and-a-half hours.

All finishers received a hot meal and a Sue Ryder medal from Tony Booth, managing director of sponsor All Terrain Cycles.

Co-organiser Lee Orviss said he was delighted with the success of the event.

He added: "We owe a massive thank-you to our 20 volunteer marshals, route makers and cooks and the many farmers on the routes for allowing us to use their land."

A Manorlands spokesman said: "The event raised a great amount for its first year.

"The overwhelming response from participants has been that this needs to become an annual event and we'll give it some serious thought."

Full results can be viewed at sueyder.org/3dalesmtb.