Hindu cyclists pedalled from temple to temple across the capital, raising more than £6,000 for a children’s hospice.

More than 50 people rode from SKS Swaminarayan Temple in Shafesbury Road, Forest Gate, across London to the temple group’s Willesden branch.

The group, including children as young as 13, raised £6,756 for Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green.

Organiser and temple regular Sanjay Kerai, 44, said the 31-mile bike ride was inspired by a charity cycle challenge held by the Singh Sabha London East.

“I was amazed at the youth in the Sikh community and I thought ‘how could we do something in our community?” he said.

The bike ride on Sunday saw cyclists visit branches in Stanmore and Kenton before finishing in Willesden.

Kishorbhai Varsani, 48, said he was proud of the fundraising effort.

“It’s fantastic that we beat, almost thrashed, our £5,000 target,” he said. “There are people in our community who’ve used the hospice and it’s great to help out.”

Ahead of the event, the riders, aged between 13 and 65, took part in prayers before heading out to cycle with Sanjay.

“I think it’s very important as a temple to give back, we should be setting an example for the youth – to appreciate what we’ve got and other people that are less fortunate,” said Sanjay, who has completed cycle challenges in Paris and Marrakesh.

“The temple is a really good medium to do that.”