A daily newspaper reporter couldn’t “hide the smile” after completing a 265-mile charity bike ride.

Will Carson, from Southampton’s Southern Daily Echo, joined six former classmates and his teacher to re-enact the ride from Lymington to Land’s End which they did in 1998.

The cyclists rode an average of 85 miles a day for three days, all the time battling horrible weather and plenty of hills.

Will said: “All of us were shocked at how long ago it was and in a moment of madness we thought it would be great to have another crack at it, so we did.

“We were all still in school when we completed the first ride so it was a great test for us.

“When we climbed the last hill and saw Land’s End in the distance we were so relieved.

“We were wet, cold and absolutely exhausted, but you couldn’t hide the smiles from our faces.

“The never-ending hills really took their toll and there were times we wanted to pack it in, but we didn’t give in and for three days we gave it our all.

“Completing the ride is such a huge achievement for all the lads involved, and just goes to show that ten years on we might be a bit heavier and a bit less agile but we can still do it.”

The team was riding to raise money for Southampton-based Jubilee Sailing Trust which runs adventure sailing trips for able-bodied and disabled people.

So far they have received around £1,300 but the final total is expected to tip the £1,500 barrier.

To sponsor the riders visit their online fundraising page.

Will (2nd right) and his team joyfully reach the finish line