A BOLTON businessman and his two sons successfully navigated the streets of Lancashire to reach Blackpool in a charity cycle — helping to raise almost £3,000 for The Christie.

Andrew Dickson and his sons James, aged 40, and Martin, aged 38, all completed the 60-mile Manchester to Blackpool trek in about five-and-a-half hours.

Starting at the Imperial War Museum in Salford Quays on Sunday, they travelled through Eccles and Leigh before a pit stop at Haigh Hall in Wigan, continuing on past the seafront at Lytham St Annes and into the seaside town.

Joined by family friend Phil Shacklady on the cycle, the charity challenge has smashed its initial target of £2,000, standing at just under £2,900 last night.

The money will go towards The Christie Hospital, where Mr Dickson's wife Pat was treated at the hospital after a cancer scare four years ago. She has since made a good recovery.

The cyclists met friends and family at the finishing line, and enjoyed a well earned rest and some refreshments after the gruelling journey.

They even came across a familiar face at Haigh Hall, Bolton-based businessman Richard Cort who runs Holden's Ice Cream, who offered them all a free ice cream for their troubles.

Mr Dickson, aged 68, said he is feeling better than he was told he would do after the ride.

He said: "I feel great, I don't feel any ill-effects. Everyone was telling me I would have saddle soreness, but I feel great."

And Mr Dickson, who runs the Wow Consultancy firm and is the chairman of Bolton FM, says he won't rule out further cycling challenges in the future.

He added: "When my sons gave me the ticket to enter the cycle, they gave me a goal to help lose some weight. I've lost a stone and a half now, and I'd like to keep cycling.

"I like the idea of cycling about 50 miles a day, staying in a pub and having some craic with friends, so we shall see."

Anyone who wishes to donate should visit justgiving.com/fundraising/andrew-dickson21