SIX former England Test cricketers rode into Monmouth School for Boys on Monday as part of a gruelling cycling challenge for charity.

Marcus Trescothick, Tim Bresnan, Geraint Jones, Steve James, Matthew Maynard and Gavin Hamilton were all taking part in Big Bike Ride 3.

Old Monmothian Steve James, who had 17 seasons with Glamorgan and played two Tests for England in 1998, returned to familiar surroundings.

Monmouth School for Boys’ Hitchcock Pavilion hosted around 75 riders who are raising money for the Tom Maynard Trust and the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) Benevolent Fund.

Matthew Maynard made a special presentation to Head of Cricket at Monmouth School for Boys, Mr Andy Jones, to thank him for the tremendous hospitality they received.

Mr Jones said: “We have a proud sporting tradition at Monmouth and were delighted to host the riders who are raising money for two important causes.

“It was a pleasure to invite some of the schools leading male and female cricketers along.

“I am sure they will now be inspired to further improve their cricket after meeting a host of former England and professional players and having photographs taken with them.”

Monmouth was the final stop on the fourth and penultimate day of Big Bike Ride 3 which concluded in Cardiff on Tuesday 17th October.

The cyclists had travelled to Monmouth from Worcester, taking in the Malvern Hills and the Forest of Dean with stops at Ledbury, Ruardean Hill and Lydney cricket clubs.

The gusty weather conditions proved challenging for the cyclists on the third leg of their ride.

The group finished at the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff where Tom Maynard, who died in tragic circumstance, played his formative cricket and where the trust set up in his name is based.

The PCA contingent included  chairman Daryl Mitchell, the former Worcestershire captain, chief executive and former Worcestershire all-rounder David Leatherdale, and the personal development and welfare managers, including Glamorgan’s Mark Wallace.