A PUNCTURE at Winkleigh may have slowed him down, but Marcus Trescothick made it to Okehampton College last Wednesday afternoon as part of his charity bike ride around the South West.

Marcus and his team of riders stopped at the college for a pit-stop and lunch. The Somerset and former England cricketer took time out for some batting practice with Year 10 and 11 students from the college cricket teams.

The visit was part of 'Banger's Big Bike Ride', a five-day cycle ride of more than 300 miles across the region to raise money for the Children's Hospice South West.

It began in Bristol on Monday September 26, passing through various towns and villages along the way.

Marcus said: 'I first got to know Children's Hospice South West back in 2008 and have tried to support them as much as possible since then.

'Being the father of two very active young daughters myself, I wanted to try and help other less fortunate children if I possibly could.

'I am completely in awe at the wonderful work that all involved with CHSW do to support life-limited children and their families and it has become a cause very close to my heart.'

Wednesday's cycle saw Marcus set off from the Children's Hospice in Fremington before passing through Winkleigh and Torrington on the way to the college. He and his team later set off for Exeter, arriving in the Quay later that evening.

Marcus collected a cheque for Children's Hospice South West for £500 from students at the college. The sum was raised by students at their annual sponsored walk over Dartmoor on September 9.

This year they raised a fantastic £10,000, which the students then decide how to split between national and local charities.

Marcus' visit coincided with the school's Year 6 open day. Parents and primary school children looking to attend the college were invited to look around the school and see their facilities.

Principal Daryll Chapman said: 'It has been a great day, what with Marcus' visit and the open day.

'We have attracted parents bringing children here from outside our catchment area, which shows we are an attractive school to attend. That is a great feeling.'