STAFF at Matthew Charlton cycled 175 miles for charity to celebrate the company’s 175th anniversary last week.

The company was originally founded as a roofing contractor in 1842. The builders’ merchants side of the company started after 1945, when Douglas and Rowland Charlton returned from the forces,

Since 2001, the company has been owned by Saint Gobain Building Distribution UK and its operating brand of Jewson.

On Friday, the Station Road store hosted a special event, at which past and present staff, suppliers and customers helped celebrate the milestone and raise money for Barnardos and Tynedale Hospice at Home.

Those who attended could play a range of games, including hook a duck with a digger, and there was a competition to find the fastest trader to hammer a five-inch nail into a timber sleeper.

Current staff took it in turns to pedal two exercise bikes, with each team completing 175 miles.

A hog-roast was offered to around 140 customers who attended the day.

The event raised £506, which will be split between the two charities.