Almost 250 cyclists took to the road to raise funds in memory of two brothers who would have celebrated their birthdays last month.

The Team Townend Pushbike Challenge took place on Saturday for the seventh year, and was expected to raise a four-figure sum for Road Peace, a charity for road crash victims and their families.

Christian Townend, 29, and his 21-year-old brother Nicholas, known as Niggy, both of Cockermouth, died in a collision involved a coach on the A595 at Moota in December 2010, as they were heading home after a bike ride.

Christian would have been 36 on April 7, and Niggy would have been 28 on April 12.

The non-competitive sportive, which set off from Loweswater Village Hall, and was organised by the brothers' friends and family.

During the past six years the event has raised more than £60,000 for Road Peace.

There were two routes: a 22-mile course taking in Whinlatter and Newlands Pass, and a 40-mile course going over Whinlatter, Newlands, Honister and Whinlatter.

Organiser Simon Farrell said the longest route was the one most favoured by cyclists mostly from all over the UK, with the fastest time two hours and four mins.

"It was a quick time. I probably couldn't have been that quick even in my car," said Simon, who added that cyclists of all ages and proficiency took part.

“It’s both to raise funds and awareness on road safety, I think the brothers' would be proud of what we did. The support we had from the riders and local clubs is great."

"It is always a very sociable and friendly event, and attracted a real mix of abilities. My sister-in-law, Arabella Mooney, from Hemel Hempstead took part in the shorter one, and she hasn't been on a bike for a long time," said Simon.

"We're not sure how much will have been raised at this point, but we are thinking around the £6,000 mark. We raised about £600 from a raffle on the day and about £500 for the refreshments afterwards," he added.

"We were worried this year we would not get many entries, but we had 108 sign up the week before the event, and another 30 registered on the day," said Simon, who added that they have not yet set a day for next year. "But I cannot see any reason why we won't do the event again in 2018."