A LANDLORD got on his bike to raise money for charity.

David Cox, landlord of the Anchor Inn in Thornbury, completed an 11-mile cycle ride at the weekend all in aid of Meningitis UK.

He was joined by 30 fellow cyclists to complete the journey, which raised more than £200 for the charity, through sponsorship and collection buckets on the day.

Mr Cox said: "Me and my wife have been supporting Meningitis UK for the last five years. It is a good cause that helps families and children."

Mr Cox, 59, and his wife, Heather, recently raised £1,000 by getting their customers at the Anchor Inn to donate their spare change.

The couple now hope to raise £1,000 every year for the next four years, to highlight the fact that meningitis can kill in under four hours.

Steve Dayman, chief executive of Meningitis UK who lives in Alveston, waved the group of cyclists off on Saturday.

He said: "Dave has been great supporters of the charity over the years and it is wonderful that he has got his friends and supporters to join him for this bike ride.

"Meningitis UK has a single focus, to find a vaccine to eradicate meningitis. The majority of the research we fund adds value to work already being undertaken by industry to ensure we reach our goal even faster and save more lives.

"Every bit of help is so important in enabling us to continue our vital work and will take us one step closer to finding a vaccine."

For more information about Meningitis UK, or to support the charity’s Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, call 0117 373 7373 or visit www.meningitisUK.org