A FATHER who raised money for Holme Village Pre-School by cycling from the pub at the highest altitude in the country to the lowest, was star attraction at the pre-school on Thursday.

John Buchanan cut the ribbon at a party unveiling the pre-school’s new �3,300 outdoor play area.

The 38-year-old raised �1,100 by cycling 203 miles from the highest pub, Tan Hill Inn in Yorkshire, to the lowest, the Admiral Wells in Holme, in June.

Mr Buchanan, whose daughter Olivia, five, attended the pre-school until last summer, has been cycling with friends for two years raising money for various charities. Last year they decided they wanted to help a local group.

He said: “A group of friends in the village whose kids all attend Holme Village Pre-School have got into cycling, doing charity bike rides, and we decided to do something to raise funds for the village.

“I only moved to Holme three-and-a-half years ago but we have been so accepted by the village that I wanted to give something back. My daughter Olivia went to the pre-school and had a fantastic time there: they provide a brilliant service.”

The pre-school was also awarded a �2,500 government grant towards the project.

Pre-school representative Sam Roper said: “We had a tiny playground, but it was not enough for the 25 children that come to the pre-school.

“We have now been able to buy some wonderful equipment including a big sand trough that the children will be able to get into with wheelbarrows.”