THIRTY cyclists set off from the Houses of Parliament and travelled 122 miles to raise money to help a two-year-old hopefully take his first steps.

The Big Ben 2 Ben cycle ride was organised by David Williams with the aim to raise £5,000 for Ben's First Steps.

Their efforts were to raise funds for two-year-old Ben Harris-Bell, from Evesham, who has cerebral palsy and needs a selective dorsal rhizotomy to help ease his pain and release the stiffness in his muscles.

Hopefully, it will allow him to learn how to sit, crawl and possibly take his first steps.

Through sunshine and rain, the team of cyclists kept on peddling on a route which took them around Richmond Park, through Oxfordshire, Bourton on the Water, Broadway through to Offenham after setting off at 5.30am.

Crowds of supporters were on hand to welcome them back at The Bridge Inn including Ben who met some of the cyclists and their families.

Celebrations did not end their and the group enjoyed a party organised by Ben's uncle, Ashley Cook, with live music from Miles 2 Derby and Andy Brumby who had written a special song for the event.

Ben's mum said: "I would just like to thank all the cyclists publicly for all they did for Ben.

"It raised so much money and publicity and from this event we have other offers of help which is amazing.

"I hope the cyclists and their families continue to follow our story and once we have the operation, see exactly what they helped achieve."

To donate, log on to treeofhope.org.uk/bens-first-steps or for more information visit www.facebook.com/bensfirststeps.