JUST hours after British cyclist Chris Froome won his third Tour de France a team of intrepid bikers set out from a village near Devizes.

A total of 20 cyclists from Lavington School set off on their own 258 mile challenge on Monday on a route through the New Forest and around the Isle of Wight.

The trip organised by assistant head Lisa Adams was designed to test the students, ex-students and staff members taking part.

Mrs Adams said: "Everyone has worked incredibly hard training since March for this enormous challenge, especially as the route is incredibly hilly.

"This challenge has been planned and organised by a committee of staff and parents from Lavington school which is a prime example of the school’s community pulling together to offer such exciting experiences."

She said that by the end of the ride the cyclists would have climbed more than 15,900ft which does not quite qualify them for the King of the Mountains jersey as worn on the tour but is still impressive.

On the first day of the ride the team was due to cover 89.6 miles, on the second day 65.9 and on the third 102.7 miles.

Other Lavington students have also been doing their bit to show their community spirit by organising a fete which raised £1,000 for school funds.

The fun end of term fair was organised by the Year 10 peer mentor team with a little help from school events organiser Becky Dunn.

She said: "It was a huge success. We had cream teas, ice creams, tombola, bouncy castle/assault course, face painting and throwing sponges at staff to name just a few activities that took place.

"We managed to raise over £1000 and the school now need to decide how to invest the money so that it vest serves the school community.

"We are incredibly proud of the Year 10s for their hard work over the last few months and all of their efforts paid off with the amazing attendance and support of parents, staff and the local community."