A group of young people from a South Woodford church were adamant they and their friends would go to summer camp – and spent 24 hours cycling to make sure they could.

The 14 pals from the Woodford Baptist Church in George Lane did a sponsored exercise bike challenge to ensure all members of the group could afford to go to the Soul Survivor camp in Somerset from August 13-18.

The 11 to 18-year-olds have been nominated for the Recorder/Redbridge Rotary Club Young Citizen Award, sponsored by the Exchange Ilford shopping centre, because they also take time out to show their appreciation to South Woodford businesses.

Last month, they battled through tired legs and aches to take 15-minute stints – along with the church’s youth group leaders – on two exercise bikes.

Trainee youth worker Stephanie Corris, of South Woodford, said: “Everyone deserves a chance to attend regardless of their financial situation and this is why the challenge took place. We raised quite a bit more than we thought we would and we’re now giving some places to go on the trip that we wouldn’t have been able to do before.”

Thousands of young people attend the Soul Survivor camp, a Christian music and worship event.

The group raised £492 through donations from friends and family.

Young people from the church also take cards to South Woodford shops on which they write messages of appreciation.

The fundraising youngsters are: Jessiah Hercules; Angelina Bandawe; Chad Ellis; Raissa and Indiya Samarou; Jayden Garrett; Louis Spence and Abi, Matthew and James Walter-Brown.