A&S Business Consultancy in Hilperton has held a charity bicycle ride to raise money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Ashley Hutchinson, 36, a partner at the company, completed the 80-mile cycle challenge at the end of October.

The route, which has been coined the ‘Wiltshire Downs Sportive’, was organised by bike shop chain Evans Cycles. Cyclists start and finish at Lackham College in Lacock.

The adrenaline-fuelled ride is considered to be exceptionally challenging as it takes riders on not only a long-distance journey, but also one that is filled with difficult terrain – parts of the route go through the Marlborough Downs and the Vale of Pewsey.

Mr Hutchinson, of Paxcroft Mead in Trowbridge, said he chose to donate his fundraising efforts to the Air Ambulance after seeing them in action.

He said: “On one of my first rides I saw the Air Ambulance respond to an emergency. I think they do such a fantastic job and they are an amazing group of individuals.”

It is the second time that A&S has supported this charity. In 2013 Mr Hutchinson cycled from London to Paris raising more than £3,000. This challenge has added a further £300 to that total.