STUDENTS and staff at Newent Community School have successfully completed the challenge to cycle 135 miles in two days.

The group of staff and 12 students tackled the Beast of the Moors Cycle Challenge in June which involved cycling over Bodmin Moor, Dartmoor and Exmoor in 48 hours.

The route, only for more experienced and stronger riders, started in the Cornish town of Fowey and finished in the Somerset town of Minehead, including an overnight stay in Okehampton Youth Hostel.

The students from Years 8 to 12 had undertaken three practice rides in advance to help build their physical and mental stamina for the trip.

Year 12 student Henry Willis said: "Cycling over moors means hills, lots of hills! However, we all felt that we had achieved our goal following a gruelling but rewarding challenge."

The school is now gearing itself up for its fifth Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge where the students undertake a three-day trip from Whitehaven to Newcastle upon Tyne. The challenge starts on July 13 and some of the students are fundraising for charity.