BUSINESS leader Andrew Mear welcomed a team of cyclists to Skipton today (Friday) as they set off from High Corn Mill on the final leg of a 300-mile charity bike ride in aid of a furniture industry charity.

Mr Mear, chair of Skipton Business Improvement District, was on hand to offer refreshments to the team of seven cyclists as they set off on the final day of their five day ride from St Albans to Morecambe, aiming to raise £50,000 for the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers.

The cyclists, all members of The Furniture Makers’ Company, stopped off at the mill, which is home to The National Bed Federation (NBF), where they were presented with a £500 cheque towards their target from the association. They then set off on the final 45-mile journey west from Skipton to Morecambe.

Mr Mear, who owns High Corn Mill and The Home Company along with a number of office and retail properties around Skipton said: “We were delighted to be given the opportunity to welcome the cyclists to Skipton on their fun but gruelling five-day marathon ride and to host the cheque presentation in the mill courtyard.”

The presentation was made by NBF executive director Jessica Alexander who is based in offices at the mill. It was accepted on behalf of the charity by ride organiser Tony Attard, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company. He said: “All the money raised will help fund our charitable activities - inspiring new talent into the industry and supporting the welfare of people working in the trade”.