STAFF at Otter Nurseries got an idea of what Tour De France winner Chris Froome had to contend with last month when they took part in a charity bike challenge.

100 staff members from the Ottery garden centre took it in turns to ride a 15 minute stint on a static bike which simulated stages 19 to 21 of the tour. The team covered nearly 300 miles throughout the three day event and raised £5000 for Macmillian Cancer Support in the process.

Keith White, team leader at Otter Nurseries, organised the event and said there had been a great team spirit and everyone involved had put in a real effort.

He said: “Two years ago, I lost my father to cancer, and Macmillan supported me and my family through our sad loss.”

Otter Nurseries will be hosting a World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on Saturday, September 28, when 50p from every coffee sold will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.