Staff from accountancy firm Baker Tilly’s office in Chester played their part in a gruelling charity bike ride from London to Leeds, timed to arrive just before the start of the Tour de France.

Staff from the office cycled a 64-mile leg from Stoke to Liverpool, via Baker Tilly’s office at Steam Mill in Chester, as part of the nationwide Tour de  Baker Tilly – a 660-mile ride involving 300 riders, stopping at 23 of the firm’s UK offices. The event aims to raise more than £10,000 for Anthony Nolan and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

The tour started on Monday, June 23, in London, stopping en route at Baker Tilly’s offices in the south, before the start of a separate Scottish leg, which ran from Glasgow to Edinburgh.

The third and final leg started from Birmingham, finally arriving at the firm’s Leeds office just a day before le Grand Départ – the start of the Tour de France.

Jill Jones, Baker Tilly’s North West regional managing partner, who also took part in the event, said: “It was a tough 71- mile stint for everyone that took part, especially on what was one of the hottest days of the year so far. But the camaraderie  was great, and cycling through Chester and seeing people cheering us on and waving gave us a real boost.”

Also participating were Baker Tilly clients, local businesses  and professionals from Chester. The event was supported by Njinga Cycling, who were on hand to provide mechanical and on-road support to riders.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards help young people, aged between 14 and 24, build confidence and develop self-esteem  by progressing through three  levels to achieve a bronze, silver  or gold award. These awards  require persistence and commitment and have a lasting impact on the attitudes and outlook of the young people that  take part.

Anthony Nolan is a charity that saves the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders.

It helps match individuals willing to donate their blood stem cells or bone marrow to people with blood cancer and blood disorders who desperately need lifesaving transplants.

Visit the fundraising page at virginmoneygiving.com/TDBT14 .