A cycling team has set a new world record as part of a fund-raising bid to support The Soldiers Charity and children in Leeds.

The Ultra6 team, led by Guiseley man Andy North, completed the 250-mile trip from Leeds to Dortmund in a record time of 22 hours, excluding the ferry journey.

Also taking part were Ultra6 team members Ben Wood and Iain Harris. They were joined on the way back by two representatives from Horsforth-based Leeds Trinity University and local businessman David Gale.

Last year Andy led a team which set a new world record cycling and running from Land’s End to John O’Groats. They raised £50,000 for war veterans by running 26.2 miles daily and then covering a further 100 miles by bike on the same day Three of the team – Andy North, Mick Bowden and Ben Wood – set a world record time of six days, 16hrs 30mins when they crossed the line last summer.

After cycling to Dortmund and back this month the group was given a warm welcome home when they were greeted by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Thomas Murray and the Lady Mayoress Edna Murray.

Joining them at the welcome and fun day event at Temple Newsam Park were 50 cyclists who had cycled from Hull to Leeds in aid of the Lord Mayor’s LOFFTY project, which raises funds to provide fun activities for children in the city.

Before setting off Andy North said the mammoth cycle ride was in aid of “two fantastic causes.”

“We have taken on quite a few challenges at Ultra6 over the years, but our attempt to reach Dortmund and set a new record is certainly one of the biggest,” he added.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Thomas Murray was impressed.

He said: “An amazing amount of hard work went in to making our charity bike ride a reality, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to what was a fantastic occasion. “