For five days they huffed and puffed their way across Belgium – but now a group of charity bike riders have finally completed their fundraising challenge.

On Wednesday 60 cyclists set off from Brighton to Belgium as part of a charity bike challenge for The Argus Appeal.

The challenge coincided with the 100th anniversary of the First World War and saw the group visit Ypres, Bruges, Ghent and Brussels before boarding a Eurostar train back to the UK yesterday morning.

The group started in Bergeus, near Dunkirk, and watched the Last Post at the Menin Gate in Ypres on Wednesday night.

As the days passed they plotted a route from one Belgian city to the next, taking in the Passchendaele and Tyne Cot Great War memorials as they rode through.

When they arrived back in sunny Sussex yesterday afternoon, the generous fundraisers has cycled 145 gruelling miles.

The Argus’ Howie Blanks, who took part in the trip, said: “On Saturday we rode from Ghent to Brussels, which is about 50 miles, and finished under the Atomium before getting the train back to the UK on Sunday.

“It went really well and was the first time we’ve done Brussels after 10 years of cycling to Paris and back. We’ll definitely be returning next year to hopefully raise even more money than we have over the last few days.”

Ian Jones, who took part in the fundraiser, said: “It was really well organised and a great route.

“We saw some touching First World War memorial sites and all got on really well while raising cash for a great cause. I hope to see even more of us do it again next year.”

The Argus Appeal has been running for more than 50 years in the heart of the community.

Across a variety of projects and campaigns it aims to raise a minimum of £200,000 each year with help from local people – every penny of which will be well and wisely spent.

Choosing to support The Argus Appeal guarantees that every penny raised goes towards helping those in real need in the community. Those wanting to help the appeal should write to Elsa Gillio, The Argus Appeal, Argus House, Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, Brighton BN1 8AR or call 01273 544465.

You can also email elsa.gillio@theargus.co.uk with details of who you are, what you do, what you need and who will benefit.