AN ANDOVER Youth football team swapped grass for asphalt as they took part in a fundraising cycle ride.

Players, parents and coaches of Andover Town Youth FC U11 Blue took to Thruxton Race Circuit last weekend as they attempted to raise cash for their upcoming trip to the Isle of Wight.

The team are hoping to use the money to compete in a tournament over the Easter weekend.

The cycling event, organised by Linda Appleby, resulted in participants cycling around the track at Thruxton for two hours.

Some participants even managed to complete seven laps in that time – a distance of nearly seventeen miles – despite the cold and windy conditions.

The group hoped to raise £200 from the ride but initial estimates suggest that they may have raised nearly four times this amount.

The group have also confirmed they will now be able to attend the tournament later this month.

ATYFC U11 Blue manager, Jason Horner, said: “I am proud of everyone who took part and thank them all for their efforts.

“The team would like to take this opportunity to thank local firms B P Rolls, Stitch-a-logo, Andover Ford, Re-Design UK Ltd and MOT Supercentre for their support.”