TWO Forest cricket clubs welcomed a charity bike ride which included former England players.

The Big Bike Ride Three called at Ruardean Hill and Lydney cricket clubs for some much-needed rest and refreshment on the third day of a mammoth ride from Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham to Cardiff.

The ride is in aid of the Professional Cricketers’ Association and the Tom Maynard Trust and the two previous events have raised more than £320,000.

The five-day endurance ride included former Test stars Geraint Jones, who played for Lydney, Marcus Trescothick and Matthew Maynard, the father of Tom.

They were joined for the last two days by Lydney-born Test cricketer Steve James.

Day three started in Worcester and finished at Monmouth School and took in some steep climbs through the Forest including Plump Hill in Mitcheldean and the climb up to Ruardean Hill, the highest point in the Forest.

At Ruardean members of the cricket club turned out to greet them and there was a large and welcome spread to help recoup some of their energy.

Club chairman Paul Ballinger said: “We’re very pleased that they have come to Ruardean.

“The ride is for a very good cause and it helps raise the profile of the game.”

Both clubs were presented with a signed miniature cricket bat and a certificate and Steve and Geraint presented signed shirts at Lydney.

Geraint said: “It’s been a tough but good ride.”