STAFF from a Blackburn-based telecoms software company cycled the length of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to raise money for the Magic Eye appeal.

The team of eight colleagues from Ryder Systems in Appleby Street raised £1,000 for the Lancashire Evening Telegraph appeal.

It took the cyclists, including directors and employees, 36 hours to complete the 130 mile strenuous route and earn the sponsorship.

Andy Wilson, Ryder's sales and marketing director, was one of the cyclists involved. He said: "We'd trained hard for the ride, but 130 miles is no easy feat! The canal tow path is hard going in places and a big energy sapper! We're all pleased that we've completed the ride and that the money we've raised is going to a charity that will benefit the local area."

Stuart Finch, Ryder's managing director, initiated the event but had to pull out only days before for an urgent business trip. He said: "I am disappointed that I couldn't join the team for the big event. Because it's taken weeks of planning and commitment to organise, we didn't want to postpone it so the team carried on without me. However, as I have a sponsor form full of pledges myself I'm already making plans to do it another time."

The cyclists raised £1,000 from friends, colleagues and the company itself and the appeal now stands at £127,062.

Appeal co-ordinator Sheila Shaw rewarded the company's efforts with a Gold Certificate. "I am just pleased that no-one went in! It is a wonderful effort and clearly took a great deal of organisation and commitment."

The Magic Eye appeal has the £200,000 target in its sights. This means that life saving endoscopic ultrasound equipment can be bought to benefit the whole of East Lancashire with the quicker diagnosis of stomach and oesophagus cancer.