PEDAL power has helped Ardeer Thistle FC manager Derek Cook raise more than £3500 for a school holiday summer club.

Cook, whose team won promotion to the Super First Division got on his bike to take part in the Five Ferries Challenge, which started at Wemyss Bay at 9am and finished in Ardrossan at 8.20pm the same day.

He was joined in awful weather conditions by a group of friends, who included Hurlford United goalie Stephen O’Neill for the sponsored event which has helped raise more than £3500 for the Butterfly Club at James Reid School in Ardrossan.

It was Derek’s first time on a bike in six years after seven ankle operations.

Derek said: “We set off in torrential rain which never halted all day.

"It was a gruelling day and much appreciation must go to all the lads that fought through the terrible conditions to raise over £3500.

"There were a few sore legs on Monday but it was well worth it.

“This total will go along with the money which will be raised at the annual Butterfly Club football trophy game at Ardeer Stadium on August 10 with a Scotland Junior Select playing Glentoran legends from Belfast, who are again coming over specially for the game.

“We are well on our way to beating our total of £8000 raised for the kids last year. All the cyclists will be there on the day to lend their support again and everyone deserves a big pat on the back for there efforts.”