A CYCLE challenge in memory of popular sales representative from Redditch has been hailed a success.

Staff from Level measurement manufacturer Hycontrol recently took part in the event for Chris Reece, who passed away unexpectedly from heart problems last year.

The event saw Chris’s colleagues undertake a 35-mile bike ride from Redditch to Malvern, followed by a hike across the Malvern Hills - in spite of some inclement weather.

Many of Hycontrol’s 50-strong staff took part with their families.

Almost £2,000 was made from the event will go toward the British Heart Foundation.

Hycontrol MD Nigel Allen said: “Chris was very healthy and active, and always liked a challenge whether at work, at boules or on the badminton court.

"Hycontrol has always been a very closely-knit team and we thought that a good way of paying tribute to Chris was to set the Malvern challenge, and to help raise money for the British Heart Foundation in the process.”

Chris’s brother, Nick Reece, who is also a sales representative at Hycontrol, said: “I’m proud that the Hycontrol team have come together like this in Chris’s memory."

Anyone who would still like to contribute to fundraising efforts can do so via justgiving.com/Hycontrol.