Staff at a country inn near Frome have raised more than £3,000 for a local hospice by cycling to the moon.

Employees at the Full Moon in Rudge have helped raise the money for Dorothy House Hospice Care, which supports around 700 families affected by cancer, motor neurone disease and other life-threatening conditions.

The Cycle to the Moon challenge was the brainchild of staff members Dean Freeman and Charlotte Flack after the pub’s successful charity ball raised £650 for the hospice last year.

The challenge was a 45-mile cycle ride from Marlborough to the Full Moon with pub regulars encouraged to sponsor their efforts.

The pub also held a disco and karaoke event after the ride, which helped boost the total raised to £3,191.69.

Mr Freeman said: “We’d like to thank all our sponsors, and everyone who helped on the day.

“Special thanks go to Castley Couriers, who transported the riders and their bikes to Marlborough for the start of the event, Treads Tyres and everyone who supported us with donations of food and bottled water.”

A date has already been fixed for the next Cycle to the Moon, on September 10.

Anyone interested in taking part can contact Mr Freeman or Mrs Flack at The Full Moon on 01373 830936.

Dorothy House offers community and hospice care for patients and families facing life threatening illness free of charge, as well as developing palliative care through education and research.

To find out more about the cause, or to make a donation, visit the website at www.dorothyhouse.

co.uk, or write to Fundraising, Dorothy House Hospice Care, Winsley, BA15 2LE or call 01225 721480.