A GROUP of friends from Malvern have raised more than £1,200 for two Worcester charities with an epic three day, 120-mile canoe expedition.

Mat Duffett, Kenny Allton, Rich Bingham and Dave Thomasset off from Welshpool in Powys at 6am on Thursday, July 24 and paddled down the River Severn through Shrewsbury, Ironbridge, Bewdley, Stourport and Worcester before arriving in Upton at 5pm on Saturday, July 26.

The team carried out the challenge in aid of St Richard’s Hospice, which provides care and support to people with cancer and other life-threatening conditions and their families, and Acorns Children’s Hospice, which cares for children and young people with a range of conditions.

Mr Duffett said he was delighted by how much he and his friends had raised, with money still rolling in.

"The one thing that kept us all going was the thought of those less fortunate than ourselves who receive treatment and care from the hospices on a daily basis," he said.

To sponsor the team visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/river7.