FAST food staff swapped burgers for bicycles as they tackled a 300-mile charity ride.

A 14-person crew from 10 McDonald’s restaurants across Oxfordshire joined forces to take on the intimidating challenge.

Staff took to the saddle in June to ride the three-day route from Oxford to Leiden in Holland – starting at Ronald McDonald House in the city as the charity benefitting from their efforts.

Lord Mayor of Oxford Colin Cook, who joined the cyclists at the start of the race said: “Ronald McDonald House charities do vital work in Oxford and across the UK, helping families who are going through extremely tough times, so it was a real privilege to see the cyclists off at the start of their challenge.

“I’m very impressed by their dedication and congratulate them on their fundraising.”

The event, which is now in its fourth year, was inspired by Oxford’s connection with twin town Leiden, and both destinations have Ronald McDonald houses.

The house at Oxford Children’s Hospital last year supported more than 500 families.

The ride aimed to raise money for the charity alongside a number of activities and 520 free meals being raffled off from McDonald’s.

The crew and customers from across the county have now helped rack up the total to more than £800 on the online fundraising page.

Local McDonald’s franchisee, Ismail Anilmis, who owns all ten restaurants in Oxfordshire, said: “The McDonald’s crew and customers in Oxfordshire should feel very proud of themselves as they’ve helped raise an incredible sum to support families in Oxford, Leiden, and beyond.

“We look forward to continuing to support the charity in every way we can in the future.”

McDonald’s operations supervisor Stuart Silk, who came up with the concept for the bike ride while on the Oxford House fundraising committee, added: “This was my fourth year organising and completing the Oxford to Leiden Bike Ride, and I’m thrilled to have taken part with more of our dedicated crew.

“We were feeling the strain after the first day, but it was really good fun, and we knew we were doing it for a brilliant cause.

"I hope that next year we’ll go again with even more riders.”

To support the staff and their efforts, donate online at justgiving.com/bike2018