A team of Newport opticians swapped their specs for bicycles and have raised more than £1000 for a local children’s charity.

The team from Wangler’s Opticians Newport joined almost one hundred other teams taking part in the 52 mile ‘Taff Trail’ bike challenge on Sunday (1st). The ride, which goes from Brecon to Bute Park in Cardiff, was in aid of the children’s charity, Tŷ Hafan.

The team included three opticians and one patient from the firm on Chepstow road. They had decided to take part after reading about the challenge in the paper.

Simon Ewins, 41, a dispensing optician, said: “We’re not cyclists so it was a bit of a challenge.”

Despite being the first time taking part in the ride, the four completed the course in a time of 4 hours and 54 minutes.

Mr Ewins said: “We were so well supported, it was a great atmosphere.”

The initial team target was £500 but they ended up raising more than £1000. This was thanks to support from suppliers, family, friends and customers. The team expressed their gratitude to the kindness shown and they are already planning ahead for next year’s ride.

Tŷ Hafan offers comfort, care and support for life-limited children and their families across Wales.