CYCLISTS were given a heroes welcome when they arrived back at Potterne Cricket Club after completing a long distance bike ride to raise money for Julia's House.

Twins Dean and Steven House, 28, and friend Mark Roach, 28, set out from Manchester United's Old Trafford Ground supported by friend Jimer Brimble, 35.

They stopped off en-route at Lechlade Cricket Club where the first team were playing and then arrived back at Potterne in the evening where a big crowd had gathered.

Mr Brimble then had his his beard and head shaved to the delight of the audience. The men raised around £600 in sponsorship and then another £400 was collected in Potterne.

Ged Montgomery, who is part of the fundraising team for Julia's House children's hospices, said: "It was a fantastic effort and we are very grateful."

Julia's House, which opened a new hospice in Devizes at the beginning of May, has been selected as the cricket club's charity of the year.

Mr Montgomery said: "Julia's House is delighted that Potterne Cricket Club is supporting its work this year."

On Sunday even bigger crowds gathered at the cricket club when a beer festival was held with a wide selection of ales and ciders.

Chairman Fred Kerley thanked all the volunteers and Wadworth brewery who helped make the day a success. He said: "We sold out of tickets and of beer.

"We had an excellent crowd and we managed to avoid too much rain. Thank you to all volunteers. They were truly amazing and thanks to the organising team for pulling together. But mostly thank you to every person that turned up, drank beer and danced in the rain."