EASTERTON boat builder Mark White has raised more than £1,000 for a charity that helped him through major kidney surgery last year by undertaking a chilly bike ride to Southampton.

Mark, 25, of Kings Road, Easterton, set off with his brother Jamie, 22, and their friends Luke and Craig Campbell, of West Lavington, last week when snow lay thick on the ground.

Mark said: “The ride was very cold and the small side roads around the villages were a little tricky, but the snow wasn’t too much of a problem.

"It went well and, having exceeded our target considerably, we are already thinking of our next event for charity.”

The quartet were certainly eye catching, wearing red and white bubble wigs, red shirts and striped leggings. The money raised from their ride will go to the Saints Foundation, which normally caters for terminally ill children and disabled adults.

But Jamie contacted the charity while Mark was in hospital and they arranged a get well card from the entire first team at Southampton FC, of which Mark has been a fan for many years.

Mark works for a boat building firm in Southampton and he commutes from Easterton every day. He is still accepting sponsorship and anyone who wants to contribute can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/ 50miles4Saints