A YORK business leader swapped his briefcase for his bike to tackle a gruelling charity challenge.

Paul Marshall, director of art distribution business Marshall Arts, based at Elvington Industrial Estate, near York, was among 13 Yorkshire business leaders who cycled 158 miles to raise money for charity.

The executives set off at Whitehaven, Cumbria, and powered up hill and down dale before reaching the finish line at Tynemouth Castle, Northumbria, three days later.

The group raised £5,000 for the Hollybank Trust at Mirfield near Huddersfield, which educates and cares for people with disabilities in its on-site specialised residential school and independent housing facilities. The proceeds will go towards a purpose-built activity centre that will include a hydrotherapy pool, physiotherapy centre and sensory area.

Mr Marshall: "It was a tremendous experience to complete the marathon and savour the scenery on a bike rather than through a car window. There was great team spirit and banter and it was definitely something I'd do again."

The 13 cyclists are all members of TEC International (UK) Ltd - the world's biggest development forum for chief executives, which encourages members to achieve a balance between their high-pressured roles and their private lives.

Richard Bosworth, TEC International (UK) Ltd Yorkshire chairman, said: "The achievement highlighted that challenging goals are not just business-related, and what better way to let off steam than negotiating the steep slopes of the Pennines?

"It's also great that we have helped to make a difference to such a tremendous cause."

Updated: 10:08 Wednesday, June 23, 2004