A CLERGYMAN got on his bike recently to raise more than £500 for a church’s roof restoration project.

Father Ben Andrews, rector of the new Benefice of Barry, cycled 155 miles from St David’s, in Pembrokeshire, to Barry, in the Vale in a three-day effort to raise funds for the All Saints’ Roof Restoration Project.

The cycle ride, which began on August 30, was split into two days of 50 miles with the final day 35 miles into Barry finishing at All Saints’ Church, Barry.

Leading and driving the support vehicles was the Roof Restoration Project chairman, Paul Donovan.

The mission began at Ty Boia in the heart of St David’s with the route taking them to Haverfordwest.

Narberth provided some navigational challenges with the occasional missing signpost.

Narberth to St Clears was uneventful, but Carmarthen provided challenging hills and the odd farm dog.

His first overnight stop took place in Cysgod Y Coed, in Carmarthen.

After a good meal, a couple of glasses of Waxed bat (wine) and plenty of rest, Father Andrews headed for Kidwelly, north dock in Llanelli, and Swansea.

The route took him over the River Loughor before venturing into across Gower, down the Clyne Valley and onto the Black Pill seafront, and the River Tawe barrage in Swansea Marina.

The final push of the day went from Carmarthen to Port Talbot and St Theodore’s Vicarage.

Day three saw him pedal to Port Talbot, Pyle, and Ewenny, but a missed turning put him on the busy A48.

He continued to the Llysworney junction arriving in Llantwit Major for a Gregg’s sausage roll and iced bun.

A welcome party greeted him at his final stop in Barry.

Fr Andrews said: “it was a big challenge 155 miles in three days but one I enjoyed. Following on from previous rides with fellow clergy, this was my way of contributing towards the much needed roof appeal at All Saints. I was very grateful to the help and support of Mr Paul Donovan my support driver. It was a very pleasing sight to see the welcoming party on my return to All Saints’. Now recovered from the ride I am thinking about my next route and challenge.”