CHRISTMAS Day is normally spent eating a traditional dinner and relaxing on the sofa. But two men from Stevenage had a different way to spend the day, as they completed a 10 hour sponsored bike ride from Peterborough to Stevenage.

Derrick Doolan of Fortuna Close, Stevenage, and his friend Garreth Evans, both 20, cycled the 60 mile route to raise money for the National Autistic Society.

Despite going 10 miles out of their way, they completed the challenge in 10 hours and 32 minutes after setting off from Peterborough at 8am.

“We got dropped off in Peterborough and then had to make our own way back to Stevenage,” said Derrick.

“When we said we were doing the rise, people weren’t taking it seriously enough so we decided to do it on Christmas Day.

“You’re meant to give at that time of year. We thought we would try and give something back.

“By the time I got in, I was so tired that I didn’t want my Christmas dinner. But I opened my presents before I went and had food the next day.”

The pair have so far raised �800 for their feat.