RIDERS took on a new cycling challenge in Swindon to raise funds for a primary school.

More than 80 riders completed the inaugural Hydra ride, which started and finished in Wood Street.

The fundraiser was organised by Friends of Lethbridge Primary School.

Karen Mace, 48, from Old Town, took part.

She said: "When I’m out on my bike I go to our beautiful countryside and cycle around Swindon.

“Just out with nature and seeing the cows, sheep. It gives me a sense of freedom.”

There were three different routes from 35 miles to 57 miles, each taking a route south out of Swindon before coming back up to Lambourn, past Uffington White Horse and back to Swindon via Chiseldon.

Karen signed up for the middle one – 45 miles.

She said: “I’m training to do London-to-Paris in September, so I used this as a training event and I’m supporting the school in their fundraising.”

Event organiser James Nethercott said: “We organised the Hydra Ride to raise money for the Lethbridge Primary school.

"It’s to support them with their funding and to enhance education for the children.

“There were big hills on the route so it was a fair challenge for most of the participants.

“Everybody told us that for a first year we have done really well.

"So, we are now looking forward to next year.”

Another rider Steven Jordan, 33 completed the challenge to push his limit.

He said: “Today I’m doing the long one. I run a cycling club sometimes I ride single week so it’s nice to test how far I can go."

Everyone that completed the event was given a personalised giant Toblerone.