A FRANCHISEE of the McDonald's fast food restaurant, which has an outlet in Evesham, used pedal power to raise thousands of pounds.

Sarah McLean, along with business managers Craig Roberts and Jon Swarbrick and second assistant Chris Buckley, joined a group of 26 other fundraisers for the charity cycle trip across Madagascar, held over five days.

The gruelling trip over heavy terrain was made even more tougher by intense heat and heavy rain.

Overall she managed to raise £45,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) - a charity that provides free accommodation for families with children in hospital.

“The experience we had in Madagascar was truly an unforgettable one," the restaurant franchisee said.

"It is so important to me to help raise money for RMHC and this bike ride was the perfect challenge.

"The scenery was breath-taking and some of the things we saw during our time there really put life into perspective. I absolutely loved the experience and am so proud of the money we raised for such a great cause.”

To find out more about the charity visit rmhc.org.uk.