Browton 7-Plus will ride again for charity this weekend – but there will be several changes to the starting line-up.

After 30 years raising money for worthwhile causes, most of the original crew – Mally Martin, Peter, Les and Mitch Gorley, Billy Graham, John Wilson and Alan Varty – have decided to stand down and retire. But there are some magnificent individuals who are willing to step into their shoes – or pedals – and continue the good work.

Fundraising began in 1990 with a Carlisle run, then they have done bike rides every year since. Other villagers have joined them on fundraising events, expanding the group to ‘Browton 7-Plus’. Overall they have raised over £75,000 for village causes such as the Broughton OAP’s outing fund.

Only brothers Peter and Mitch Gorley are left of the original seven, with Peter having been the only member to do the challenge every year consecutively.

Stephen Tyson, is taking over responsibility for the planning of future trips from Mally Martin and has co-ordinated this year’s ride. He said: “We volunteered to take over and are looking forward to it. It’s a good thing to keep the tradition going.”

Mally Martin - who was honoured for the fundraising of the group at a Buckingham Palace garden party in 2016 - said: “It’s great these lads will carry it on. I hope they do it as long as us and keep raising money for the next 30 years.”

Stephen will be joined by Craig Burns, Peter and Mitch Gorley, David Messenger, Paul Graham, Steven Hadley, Roger Johnston, Jamie Woodcock, Jonathan Collister and Gary Graham for a two-day 72-mile trip to the Lakes, setting off from the Sun Dial, Little Broughton, today.

They will travel to Glenridding via Isel, Bewaldeth, Hesket-New-Market, Mungrisedale, Matterdale End, Dockray and on to Glenridding for an overnight stay before heading back on Sunday by the A66 via Keswick, Cockermouth and to Little Broughton for a buffet reception at the Sun Dial.