A team of eight airmen from the 825 Naval Air Squadron have cycled across Britain to raise funds for Musgrove Park Hospital.

It took the team nine days to complete 1189 mile-journey from Land's End to John O'Groats by bicycle - a feat which has raised £11,163.38 for the hospital.

The money is being raised in aid of Musgrove's neonatal intense care unit, and will help pay for equipment that assists newborns with their breathing.

The challenge was started by Mark Wilkes, whose children were born prematurely at Musgrove, and required critical support during their 9 week stay.

Mark said: "It was my mission to raise money to help purchase oxygen assist modules, to save valuable time for the team who were wonderful, caring, attentive nurses who will be able to spend more time providing different types of care”.

In all, the team climbed an equivalent distance of one and a half Mount Everests, and completed the journey five days faster than average.

Sue Fulker, Ward Manager for the Somerset Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, said “We’re incredibly grateful and proud of Mark and the team for taking on this challenge and to everyone who donated to the team and have raised a truly amazing amount, which will make such a difference to new born babies that require extra support.”