CYCLISTS from a village near Winchester have been raising money for much-needed equipment at Southampton General Hospital.

Over 21 full-time and part-time Twyford riders took part in an epic journey cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats as part of the Percy’s Pals’ fundraising appeal.

The group aims to raise £250,000 to buy a portable CT scanner for the hospital in memory of local resident Richard Percival, a doctor from Hedge End, who died in 2013 aged 47 from a stroke.

Over £95,000 has been raised for the cause since it began last year.

The group kicked-off their 985 mile journey, known as LEJOG (Lands End John O’Groats), on Tuesday, June 17, eventually finishing on Saturday, June 28 and have raised around £65,000 so far.

Tim Smith, rider and challenge co-organiser, said: "LEJOG is our biggest fund-raising event so far. It's the chance of a lifetime to do this bucket-list item and raise money for a fantastic cause at the same time.

“We are very pleased we have so many who have grabbed this chance. It promised to be a tough but fantastic event which we hope will raise tens of thousands for our cause."

During the eleven day journey, the 16 full-time and five part-time cyclists climbed approximately 15,000 metres, almost twice the height of Mount Everest.

It is hoped the new scanner, which will be used at the Wessex Neurological Intensive Treatment Unit, will be able to detect early signs of strokes and other neurological conditions.