Croydon Town Hall was the starting point for a 200-mile bike ride for charity on Wednesday

A group of officers from the Met Police kicked off their journey to the Netherlands in an effort to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care charity.

With the goal to reach the Netherlands in just two days, the 11 bike riders will have a tough task ahead of them.

Sergeant George Shannon, based at the Met's custody centre in Windmill Road, Croydon, has organised the trip for nine of the past ten years and was delighted with the donations that have flooded in over those years.

“It's ten years since the first trip to Arnhem, and over that time, we've covered more than 2,000 miles on our bikes and raised in excess of £40,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care," he said.

"The challenge doesn't get any easier, but attending the remembrance ceremony and seeing the war veterans, some of whom actually fought in the Battle of Arnhem, puts our efforts firmly into perspective and we are always humbled by the sacrifices they made for all of us.

"We're continuing to raise funds for Marie Curie this year, and we would be hugely grateful for any donations to what is a fantastic charity that does amazing work to support cancer patients and their families."

Anyone who wishes to sponsor the team can make a donation here.