Ledbury resident and keen cyclist Edd Hogan, age 41, recently completed the Birmingham and Midlands Velo in an impressive time 5 hours and 51 minutes.

And in the process he raised over £750 for St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Malvern, of which is a governor.

Mr Hogan wanted to help with with the project to design and build a new school sensory garden.

Much of the groundwork has been completed together with a block paved area and wooden arbour with benches.

The Velo made a return to Birmingham having taken a break in 2018. The route saw 17,000 riders take on a closed road route around Birmingham and Warwickshire, on May 12.

With many teams and riders raising funds for good causes Mr Hogan felt as though he was in good company.

He said: “It was a wonderful experience with great support all around the route which helped to give many of us the boost we needed to get up the hills that were a feature after mile 80.”

Head teacher, Therese Langford added: “The garden will be a welcome addition to the school and will offer a wonderful quiet space for groups and individuals.

"The funds raised by Edd will help to progress the project which many people have helped to design and develop.”

The Velo route covers a distance of 100 miles, taking in Birmingham City Centre, Coventry, Solihull, Warwickshire, Dudley and Sandwell.

Tens of thousands of onlookers gather to cheer the riders on.