Estate agency staff have raised nearly £60,000 for a charity which educates children about the countryside.

East Anglian Daily Times: Savills Countryside Challenge: Isobel Cooper, Agatha Blount, Phil Rankin, Eileen Webster, Rebecca Roberts, Jessica Foskett and Peter Start near Benacre.Savills Countryside Challenge: Isobel Cooper, Agatha Blount, Phil Rankin, Eileen Webster, Rebecca Roberts, Jessica Foskett and Peter Start near Benacre. (Image: Archant)

Starting out on Monday, September 14, rural teams from Savills’ Ipswich, Norwich, Cambridge, Newmarket and Chelmsford offices covered 1,285 miles across East Anglia, through non-motorised means, such as walking, cycling and rowing, to complete the Countryside Learning Challenge.

In East Anglia, the route took part icipants from coast to countryside and back again, passing through a number of Savills-managed estates including Benacre, Rougham and Narford.

Rowers set off from St John’s Boat House in Cambridge travelling to Ely by water, while Suffolk walkers visited RSPB Minsmere and Dunwich Heath, and the Chelmsford team prepared for their walk at the historic Blake Hall, Ongar.

The event culminated on Friday, September 18, with teams from across the country cycling into London to meet at Savills’ headquarters in Margaret Street.

Michael Horton, head of the Savills Rural business in the east, said: “Countryside Learning is a very important charity and it is great to be part of an event that not only helps to raise money, but means we can enjoy the beautiful East Anglian countryside along the way.”

Countryside Learning aims to educate, inform and inspire children, parents and teachers to enjoy and appreciate the countryside.

Gary Richardson, chief executive of Countryside Learning, said: “We can now grow further and enhance our work both in our capacity and geographical reach which is simply fantastic. Seldom is a charity able to find a partner who is so active, engaged and selfless in their support.”