A popular cycling challenge which sees competitors ride 113 miles around the Lake District has been cancelled this year – but organisers still managed to donate significant amounts to various charities.

The next Fred Whitton Challenge is due to take place in May 2021.

A spokesman for the challenge said: "Like all major events taking part this year we have been extremely disappointed that we have not been able to hold our 20th Fred Whitton Challenge.

"Over the years we have raised just short of £2 million for our charities, and we had hoped to reach that target this year, but unfortunately the virus stopped us achieving this.

"Hopefully things will improve for 2021 and we will be back on track with our charity fundraising.

"Despite the cancellation of the event and through the generosity of the riders we are still able to donate to the following charities.

"All our main charities are linked with the NHS and we will continue to support them any way we can."

£25,000 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support, and £10,000 each for Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team, the Great North Air Ambulance and the North West Air Ambulance.

Lisa Wild, of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We'd like to say a huge thank you to the Fred Whitton Challenge team for their fantastic donation.

"The event has been a long-term supporter of Macmillan, raising over £1m over the years.

"Sadly the event could not go ahead this year due to the pandemic, so we were absolutely delighted and surprised to receive a cheque for £25,000 during these uncertain times."

Martin Cooper, of Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team, said: "This donation has come at a time when all out usual fundraising initiatives has dried up, and will help to go towards the building of the new team base in Foxfield."