THERE was a heroes’ welcome for five cyclists who pedalled non-stop to Snowdonia to raise cash for charity.

The five are all leaders at the 2nd Erith Scouts based in Mill Road, Northumberland Heath and they were looking for ideas to raise cash from the Scout group.

One of them, Jamie Povey, 18, a professional magician came up with the idea of cycling to Wales as a joke, but it quickly tuned to reality.

Jamie, Tony Crowhurst, Peter Green, Ian Dixon and Philip Crowhurst set off in the early hours of last Friday and it took them 26 hours cycling without a break, to reach their destination.

After staying overnight in Wales, nursing a few aching legs, they returned on Sunday to a welcome back party and a specially made cake.

They are hoping to raise more than £2,000, split between the Scout group and Cancer Research UK, and enjoyed the ride so much, they are planning to cycle to Cornwall next year .