A former Southampton football star - and a Pompey player - helped a team of riders who raised more than £30,000 in a sponsored bike ride.

The team, led by entrepreneur Darren Ridge, rode from his business headquarters in Whiteley to Havant Academy in Leigh Park, on a 30-mile round trip.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, the event surpassed its initial £20,000 target.

The riders were given a send-off by former Southampton football star Matt Le Tissier and greeted by Pompey player Matt Ritchie when they returned.

The funds raised will buy a Cubbie unit—an immersive multi-sensory space that can support students to reduce anxiety, encourages participation, and prepares them for learning. A large proportion of the academy's students will benefit from this technology.

Darren was a pupil at the academy when it was known as Wakeford Comprehensive School. He went on to found business communications specialist Onecom.

He and co-founder Aaron Brown’s company, Ridown, invests in technology businesses, including broadband provider Onestream and device recycling specialist WeBuyAnyPhone.

The Ridge Foundation was founded by Darren and inspired by his own experiences to help children and young people from challenging backgrounds to reach their full potential.

Darren said: "Every time I have revisited my former school, I have seen first-hand the challenges young people and their teachers face every day, and also how they achieve extraordinary things together.

"I would like to thank Matt Le Tissier, Matt Ritchie, all the riders, and all the sponsors who helped fund technology which will make a real difference to the wellbeing of students at the Academy."

Headteacher Vicki Dillon-Thiselton said: "Thanks to this donation we will be able to fund technology which will greatly improve the lives of some of our young people, and support them in their studies. We are very grateful to everyone who took part in the ride, all who sponsored, and to Darren for his ongoing support for our school."

The Ridge Foundation previously donated £30,000 to create The Ridge Centre at Havant Academy.

This centre is fitted with technology to support students who find it hard to work in a classroom environment.