Healthcare workers embarked on a 72km cycle ride to celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS.

The team of 17 North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group staff completed the ride across Colchester and Tendring in less than six hours.

The team cycled across the county on Sunday, September 3 and along the coastline passing the area’s main hospital sites including Colchester General Hospital, Essex County Hospital, Clacton Hospital and finishing at Fryatt Hospital in Harwich.

Programme manager Tony Shorter and cyclist lead for the tour said: “Hopefully the efforts of the riders will inspire others to try cycling to build up their fitness and health.

“A big thanks goes out to our three diligent support crew members who, just like the NHS, were there if needed if we needed them and provided support throughout our journey.”