A TEAM from one of East Lancashire's biggest building and development firms has won a gruelling Lake District triathlon.

It is the second year running a squad from Nelson-based Barnfield Construction have taken the top prize in the Coniston Challenge.

The six-strong Barnfield Bandits came first in a time of three hours and 46 minutes over a course comprising a 10kilometre trek up the Old Man of Coniston, 17km mountain bike ride through the Grizedale Forest and a three km Kayak across Coniston water.

With the aid of three other teams from the firm, they raised £42,000 for organisers the Alder Hey Children’s Charity to support the Liverpool children's hospital's work.

The participating triathletes from the company raised £11,000 from friends, family, colleagues, clients and sub-contractors which was matched by a gift of £11,000 from Barnfield bosses.

Businessman Ramesh Dewan, a partner of the company, then took the total raised to £42,000.

Tim Webber, managing director and chairman of Barnfield Construction said “Another fantastic effort by all the team. I’m so pleased we’ve managed to raise this phenomenal amount for such a worthy charity."

Barnfield Bandits team member Tim O’Sullivan said after the July 6 triumph: “For the second year the sun shone on teams pushing themselves up hill, round the forest and across the lake raising money for a great cause – a great achievement for all who completed the event. Next year? Why not!”