NOT even thunderstorms, endless punctures and savage climbs could stop 34 employees from a Chippenham based company conquering a 170-mile charity bike ride and raising nearly £14,000 to boot.

In September, Vectura Group PLC staff members, an industry-leading inhaled airways disease focused business in Bumpers Way, rode from their Chippenham office to their Cambridge one in aid of Asthma UK, completing 5000ft of riding in two days.

And after collectively raising £13,742, all the riders were delighted to hand over the cheque to the charity this month.

"It was a real challenge but one I am very proud that we all completed together," said senior technical project manager, Tim Smithers.

"We suffered a lot, battling through wretched storms and a lorry load of punctures but we came out the other side better for it. Even though it was tough, we really enjoyed it.

"Our CEO James Ward-Lilley, who also took part in the ride, said it was the best team bonding exercise he had ever seen. We had scientists, financiers, admin staff, all coming together for a good cause.

"The team are chuffed to have raised this for a great charity and one that is close to our hearts because of what we do."

This is the second time the company has completed this challenge, albeit this year was a more challenging and hilly route, and plans are already underway for next year's ride.

"We have recently merged with a Swiss company so maybe we could do a ride from Chippenham to their base there, who knows," added Mr Smithers.