A cyclist has successfully completed the RideLondon race.

Mark Mills, 54, of Marjorams Avenue, Loughton, took part in the event yesterday, raising £955 for the Catholic Aid and Development Agency of England and Wales, which fund employment schemes abroad.

The race was reduced from 100 to 86 miles, removing two steep climbs and descents following severe weather warnings.

Mr Mills said: "I was initially disappointed not to be tackling Box Hill and Leith Hill but once the deluge of rain came I appreciated why it was a safety decision.

"It was completely different to what I imagined, I have never been caught in so much rain, it felt more like 150 miles because of the weather, but nevertheless I am happy to have done it."