Riders celebrated as they crossed the line in the last leg of the Mayor of Hertsmere’s Paris to London cycle ride on Monday.

People from all across the borough cycled from the French capital to London to raise money for the Ben Kinsella Trust and Jewish charity Langdon.

The cyclists, from Potters Bar, Borehamwood and Bushey, started from Fontenay-aux-Roses, on the outskirts of Paris, where the Mayor of Fontenay started the ride.

The twin town’s cycling club joined the riders to Versailles, where cyclists were given the opportunity to cycle through the palace gardens before continuing their travels back to England.

After a quick stop at the Houses of Parliament, the riders pedaled back to Hertsmere to cross the finish line, albeit a little earlier than planned thanks to their police escort from Westminster.

Mayor Councillor Paul Morris said: “There were so many highs and lows that the riders would go through during the ride. On some days they would break down and say they had had enough, but after a pep talk they stop crying and carry on to finish the day.

“It went so well, the riders were absolutely amazing. The emotions of all the riders when we crossed the finish line was incredible to witness. There were lot of tears, but these were certainly happy ones.”

Celebrities taking part included EastEnders actors, Brooke Kinsella herself and pop singer Lemar.

After a recent hip replacement Cllr Morris decided it would be too risky to take part but still came along to join in the celebrations: “It was the most amazing experience, more so for the riders than me unfortunately, but I still joined the ride in a support vehicle at the back.”

The cyclists were welcomed back to Borehamwood with a party and fanfare at the civic offices.