Cadets rowed, ran and pedalled their way from London to France - without leaving a sports centre.

Hertsmere Volunteer Police Cadets covered the 254 miles between Borehamwood and its twin town Fontenay-aux-Roses in the swimming pool and on exercise bikes and treadmills at Hertswood Centre in Potters Lane on Friday.

In all, 19 cadets aged 13 to 19 raised more than £1,000 towards camps and activities the 30 cadets take part in over the year.

They will also give part of the proceeds to the Mayor of Hertsmere’s charity, the Ben Kinsella Trust, which raises awareness of knife crime.

The Mayor of Hertsmere Councillor Paul Morris and leader of Hertsmere Borough Council Cllr Morris Bright were there to cheer on the children, and their parents sold sweet treats at The Venue to add to the fundraising total.

The cadets completed the challenge in three hours and 45 minutes, which Sergeant Anthony Watson said was an “amazing team effort”.

He added: “Well done to all of them, they have done themselves proud and raised a fantastic sum of money for worthwhile causes.”