A GROUP of Stoubridge women successfully completed a 45-mile cycle ride from the town to Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday May 17.

The 34-strong group, aged between 26 and 62, were waved off from Stourbridge by MP Lynda Waltho in the morning - and they arrived at their destination at around 3.30pm.

The route took in Broome, Belbroughton, Wychbold, Hanley and Astwood Bank, where the teams had to negotiate the local carnival.

Many of the women were new to cycling - and had completed a training course with Stourbridge cycling group Stourbug.

Stourbug chairman Russell Eden said: "It was a superb event, and I hope the ladies will continue with their cycling from now on.

"The health benefits of regular cycling are clear, and - added to heaps of socialising - it's made all the more easy."

Many of the riders even stayed in Stratford overnight and cycled back the following day, making it a 90-mile weekend.

Caroline Livesey, from Withymoor, said: "I had such a great time. In January I wondered if I could get to Stratford in May, but if anyone had told me I would cycle there and back I would have said they were mad."

Stourbridge MP Lynda Waltho said: "This was a great idea of Russell's.

"There are many women particularly who have benefited from joining this group, not only in terms of their health but also in developing new social networks and confidence.

"I am really impressed that they are confident enough to undertake the ride to and from Stratford, so much so that I hope to join the group and start training myself."