A BIKE ride challenge boosted a North Yorkshire firm’s charity fundraising as it celebrated its 50th birthday.

A summer party for Castle Employment was kicked off by the arrival of two team members, Eamonn Byrne and Chris Farbridge, as they crossed the finish line of their fundraising tandem bike ride.

Fundraising on the day brought the Scarborough-based company’s total for the resort’s St Catherine’s Hospice to more than £4,000.

The bike ride took a scenic route through Scarborough, stopping off at local landmarks and attractions to drum up fundraising support, finally arriving at the party to a warm welcome from the cheering guests.

Further efforts during the evening included auctioning prizes such as hotel stays, hospitality packages, sporting memorabilia and theatre and attraction tickets, donated by clients and friends.

Suzanne Burnett, Castle’s managing director, said: “I am overwhelmed by the generosity of all who attended our 50th anniversary party - we have managed to far exceed our initial fundraising target of £2,000.”