IT wasn’t the normal start to the school week for Cowley staff and pupils, as the school went cycling crazy on Monday morning to help raise funds for two causes.

Teachers and pupils pedalled against each other, as they took part in an event dubbed the Tour de Cowley.

They competed on static bikes for almost 500 kilometres – the distance from the school to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

With all competitors being sponsored, £1,007 was raised with Barclays adding another £1,000 for some very worthy causes.

The money is going towards several good causes, including Sam’s Diamonds, a group that supports women between the ages of 18 and 45, as they go through treatment for cancer.

Donations will also go towards Ronald McDonald’s House, which provides accommodation for families of children in hospital, Willowbrook Hospice and Brain Tumour Research.

Alder Hey Bereavement Service provides an immediate and ongoing support for families, parents and siblings, who may be affected by the death of a child at Alder Hey.

Three members of Barclays staff – Cheryl Sheridan, Jason Fiddler and Sarah Howard – also attended the school to cheer the students on, as well as getting on a bike and helping out with a bit of cycling themselves.