BASINGSTOKE students cycled 700 miles in just one day to raise money for a trip to France.

The 15 Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) pupils, who are studying health and social care, took to the exercise bikes at the college’s gym, in Worting Road, for the sponsored event.

Another 20 students collected donations around the college, helping bring in the £3,000 needed to pay for the trip to Basingstoke’s twin town of Alencon.

Those taking part in the static bike ride pedalled 700 miles between them – the distance from Basingstoke to Alencon.

Last year, BCoT welcomed exchange students from a college in the French town, and this year they were invited to experience how health and social care is taught in France.

The sponsored bike ride and collection raised enough money for the students to go on a four-day trip to Alencon which will involve spending time in a health and social care college, visiting a guide dog training centre and spending a day in Paris.

Amanda Prentice, health and social care placement coordinator at BCoT, said: “Welcoming French learners to the college last year was a great experience and we hope to build on that by allowing our students see how health and social care is taught in France.

“The trip will enhance the students’ learning in a number of ways. Not only will they be getting a different perspective on the industry, they are also planning and funding their own trip which is an important skill to have.”

Jack Darnley, a level three health and social care student, said: “This trip will give us an insight into how other countries teach health and social care. We know this will be an excellent experience and it is great to take responsibility for planning our own trip.”