A group of 12-year old cyclists got on their bikes and raised more than £1,000 to help the historic church recover from recent theft and vandalism.

Best pals John Jameson, Drew Findlay, Callum Fletcher and Reece Barraclough were appalled when they heard how hooligans left a trail of destruction when they ran rampage through the church in August.

Reece, of Woodfield Plantation, Balby is a keen cyclist and decided to raise money by going on a ten-mile sponsored bike ride, along the Trans-Pennine Trail from The Pastures Hotel at Mexborough, to Sprotbrough.

Reece's grandad, Keith Barraclough is a former treasurer and secretary of the church.

He said: "Six weeks ago, we saw the worst that Conisbrough youngsters can do. This weekend we saw the best.

"The lads put a lot of time into raising sponsorship and I am very proud of them."

Roy Cannon from Cyclelife Doncaster, sponsored the lads tee shirts and designed the logo.

Pupils from Conisbrough's Ivanhoe School are also supporting the church as part of their Harvest Festival sponsored costume walk tomorrow.