CYCLISTS refuelled in Stockton Heath during a 120-mile fundraising journey from Liverpool to Sheffield.

Around 130 riders took part in The Big Ride to raise funds for children 'traumatised' by the horrific Gaza bombing in 2014.

Approximately 2,200 Palestinians, including 547 children, were killed following the bombardment.

So far, The Big Ride has organised three rides – Edinburgh to London in 2015, Manchester to Birmingham in 2016 and Liverpool to Sheffield over three days this year.

The group set off on August 4 and cycled from Liverpool to Manchester, before going from Manchester to Bradford on the second day and Bradford to Sheffield on the final day.

The Big Ride, which was initiated in 2015, has raised almost £100,000 for the Middle East Children's Alliance to date.

The money raised from the ride will go towards buying sports equipment for the children in Gaza.

Mike Eggboro, 69, and Ann, 66, from Grappenhall, have raised around £2,000 of the total.

The couple, of Victoria Avenue, went on a cycling holiday in the West Bank and occupied territories in 2014 and they were moved by the experience after seeing the plight suffered by Palestinians first hand.

Stockton Heath Methodist Church, off Walton Road, provided lunch for the group on day one of the three-day feat at the midway point from Liverpool to Manchester.

Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid attended to welcome the riders, including MEP Julie Ward, who was riding to Manchester.

Mike thanked those taking part and helping out over the journey for their efforts.

He said the final day was the toughest although it was 'nothing in comparison' to what many Palestinians have been forced to endure.

Despite the physical challenge, the cyclists said the journey was 'characterised by an enthusiastic commitment, passion for justice in Palestine and good humour'.

A mosque in Bradford provided an evening meal and a floor for some of the riders for their overnight stay during the journey.

For further information or to donate visit redspokes.co.uk/thebigride.