CYCLISTS who took to the roads in the first Moonraker sportive have handed over nearly £2,000 to charity.

Devizes Town Cycling Club organised the event back in the summer to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the Fire Fighters Charity.

Now the two causes have each received £965 each. Tim Pigott from the club said: "We were over the Moonraker with the response to our inaugural sportive and it’s fantastic that with the support of loyal sponsors and club members we’ve been able to hand all proceeds over to these treasured charities."

Cycling club members and representatives from both charities were at Devizes Fire Station last week for the presentation.

Mr Pigott said: "Both charities are dear to the hearts of the cycling club. We organised and supported the ride across the Wiltshire countryside which attracted cyclists of all ages from near and far."

Both charities thanked the cyclists for their efforts which will help keep the air ambulance flying and making sure the firefighters and their family receive support when needed.

The cheques were presented by cycling club chairman Kevin Maidment and Ellie Scammell one of the youngest riders to take part in the sportive.

John Root received the money on behalf of the air ambulance and Simon Jupp and colleagues from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were handed the cheque for the Fire Fighters Charity.

Mr Pigott said: "Devizes has a thriving cycling scene and the DTCC and we’re delighted to be able to give something back to our community. We warmly welcome new members and or more information our website is http://www.devizestowncycling.co.uk"