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 to raise money for club funds and a village cause.

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 only a few minutes of rain. I want to thank all of the volunteers who helped create a fantastic atmosphere. They were truly amazing and thanks to the organising team for pulling together. But mostly thank you to every person that turned up. We had a 1,000 people which was the maximum we were allowed."

He said that the day had made around £10,000 and around £1,000 will go to a village cause to be decided at the next cricket club committee meeting.

Vice-chairman Graham Gaiger said: "'Potterne CC staged their fourth beer festival at the club on Sunday. The event was a roaring success whereby a sold out crowd of 1000 revellers enjoyed live music and a huge variety of beers and ciders from all over the country.

"This event forms part of a very busy summer for the club which includes a visit of the world famous Lashings X1 in August. Also this summer the club have set themselves a target of raising a minimum of £10,000 for Julia's House.

"So far various events including a marathon cycle ride,half marathon run and charity quiz have raised nearly £7000. The club expects to easily exceed the target figure by the end of the summer."

The club is now preparing for a visit by the celebrated Lashings cricket side on August 20 which will once again raise money for Julia's House. Mr Kerley said all 400 tickets for a lunch have already been sold but ground tickets are still available.

A total of 20 tickets will be given to children from five primary schools in the Devizes area. Mr Kerley said: "We are looking forward to a fantastic event."