A BAND of cyclists who pushed themselves to the limit during an 500-mile charity ride across England have returned to a heroes’ welcome.

Andrea Howes, Shane Snowden, James Stanhope-Smith and Katherine Hipperson were greeted by champagne and a party atmosphere after completing their marathon cycle ride from Land’s End to Great Yarmouth yesterday evening.

The four cyclists, who all work for Edward Worlledge Community Junior School, in Yarmouth, embarked on the adventure for the Lymphoma Association after witnessing the support it provided to James’ brother Jonno, 22, who is recovering from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

The cyclists raised more than �2,500 for the charity since departing on July 31, and were greeted at the school by all the children for a special welcome home party.

Speaking about the ride, James said he was overwhelmed by the reception.

He said: “It has been absolutely mind blowing the welcome we received on our return.

“We faced our biggest challenges of the ride right at the beginning when there were quite a lot of hills, but the closer we got to Norfolk the flatter it became.

“However the ride was not really about us as individuals. It was about raising awareness and money for a good cause.”

As well as champagne and celebrations, the school also held an Olympics day for the children in a bid to encourage them to keep fit and healthy.

The aim of the nine-day cycle ride was to complete up to 60 miles a day and 70 miles on the last day, whilst staying in bed and breakfasts.

They were accompanied on the road by James’ dad Don, who drove close by and provided roadside support.

The cyclists wanted issued a special thank you to Don and Linda and David Dickeson for all their help organising the ride, as well as helping make sure it went smoothly.