LOCHGELLY'S charity cyclist extraordinaire Andrew Greenhorn has this year raised over £5000 for CHAS.

And thanks to his intrepid team of cyclists who braved an awful June day for the 24 mile run between Lochgelly and Milnathort the Kinross children's hospice could be up to £8000 better off.

The Ballingry Street charity cyclist for years did a summer run for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research in the Highlands and realised £48,000 for that cause but when the organisers gave up he was left with looking for a cause to back in 2016.

He decided to organise a Lochgelly to Milnathort plus return run for CHAS and 14 local cyclists, including his grand-daughter, joined him on Sunday June 12 and despite the awful weather they completed the run without any problems.

Said the 74 year-old cycling enthusiast: "It was pretty hostile weather but it did not put anyone off.

"I have raised £5500 myself and the other cyclists have done well also and by the end of the summer I hope to be able to give CHAS a substantial sum. The other cyclists are currently collecting their cash in and within a few weeks we will have a final total."

Andrew praised the public and business community who backed him personally.

He added: "I cannot thank the people who have sponsored me personally and also the pubs and and bowling clubs and shops who been so generous.

"The business community in Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath has been amazing as have the public.

"Bobby and Sherley Neill, who used to run the Leukaemia and Lymphoma event in the Highlands, also sent me £50 which is really quite amazing."

Andrew is planning a re-run in 2017 and he hopes that even more cyclists will join them in backing CHAS.

He said: "It was good to get the run done despite the weather and I hope that next year even more people will get involved.

"The people at CHAS are delighted with the efforts that have been made and it is a very worthy cause which folk can readily connect with."

Andrew has set down the first Sunday in June already for the 2017 fundraiser.