Two coast to coast cycles raised thousands of pounds for the Times & Star's Lifeboat Appeal.

Eight Workington RNLI crew members held their own Station 2 Station cycle which raised more than £2,000.

They began at Workington Lifeboat Station and cycled 140 miles to Hartlepool Lifeboat Station in County Durham in atrocious conditions.

Crew member Patrick Carr, who took part in the cycle, said the "rain felt like small stones" at points and the team was "wet to the skin".

He said: "It was an honour to be part of the team that put in the hard work that paid off for an excellent cause when it counted."

"I was very impressed how well everyone has done. It's just as well we are prepared to risk our lives to save others in all weather because we were put to the test.

"I nearly lost control a few times with the cross winds,which were sometimes against us on the uphills. There were a few issues, but we're all here to tell the tale."

Another hard working cycling team took on a mammoth route from Workington to Tynemouth and raised £1,200 for the Lifeboat Appeal.

Team Elwyn, consisting of Elwyn and Janice Owen, David Bowman, Emma Birkett, Alan and Lou Moore, Paul Dickinson, Tracey Pyper and the backup team tackled the Hadrian's Cycle way.

David said the team formed to cycle a coast to coast last year for various charities and this year the original team brought their partners along for the ride.

Everybody on the team is from Workington so when they heard about the Times & Star's Lifeboat Appeal they decided it would be good cause to cycle for.

David had heard about the appeal through his step-father, William McQuire, and said the group wanted to back a local charity.

He said the ride went "extremely well" and that the team enjoyed it so much they did not want to stop.

"Nobody fell off their bikes so that's always a bonus!" he said. "It was just a good group of people, we all had a good time and the cycle went extremely well. And, we were raising money for the lifeboat so it was all for a good cause."

He said Team Elwyn is gearing up for another challenge in the near future.

A Workington Marsh and Quay reunion this month raised £600 towards the appeal.

The event, which featured a lifeboat presentation, quizzes and karaoke was held at the Senhouse Street Club.

One of the event organisers, Janice Bond, said the RNLI members were well known and respected in the community and the event is a chance to give something back.

Are you fundraising for the Lifeboat Appeal? Tell us about it! Email ben.graham@cnmedia.co.uk