A group of cyclists have raised more than £79,000 towards a new mosque in Cumbria after years of fundraising to create a permanent place of worship for the area's Muslim community.
67 cyclists took part in the latest fundraising effort for the South Lakes Islamic Centre in Dalton-in-Furness, which organisers describe as the first purpose-built mosque serving South Cumbria.
Members of Preston cycling groups Slow Spokes and Spokes Sisters had already raised more than £200,000 towards the project during the previous five years.
The latest challenge saw seven women complete a 113km journey from Preston to Dalton-in-Furness, while 60 men completed a 226km round trip the following day.
The £79,000 raised was intended to help complete the mosque's interior and repay some short-term, interest-free debts accumulated during construction.
For South Cumbria's Muslim community, the building represents something they have been without for years.
Many local Muslims, including NHS workers, have used community halls and conference rooms for prayers because of the lack of a dedicated mosque nearby.
Slow Spokes cyclist Saeed Umar has seen the project develop from its earliest stages.
He said: "Back then there was no mosque - it was just a field."
He described the centre as potentially unifying for Muslims from different traditions and backgrounds because of the limited number of dedicated Islamic facilities in the area.
The building is being designed as more than a prayer space.
The South Lakes Islamic Centre says its plans include separate prayer spaces, educational services, community activities, funeral support, charity services, and a community café.
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Community support despite opposition
The project has also faced opposition.
Far-right activists have previously demonstrated at the site, including UKIP leader Nick Tenconi.
But Aban Hussain, chair of the centre, said those protests had contrasted sharply with the support organisers experienced locally.
He said: "It's very exciting given the support we have seen not just from the Muslim community but from everyone in the local area."
"We have had neighbours come up to ask when we will open because they want to pop in to visit."
"With the protests kicking off, it makes you think whether this community is ready for a mosque.
"But when you see the support come across, you realise you have more supporters in real life than it seems online."
The centre has been developed in phases, beginning with securing the land and planning permission before construction of the building itself.
Its website says fundraising is continuing towards the final work needed to complete the project.
Recent reporting said organisers hoped the latest fundraising would enable the mosque to open in November.
However, the centre's website currently lists a larger outstanding amount for its final phase, including mechanical and electrical work, furnishings, equipment, and landscaping.
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