FOUR triumphant Hampshire police officers who have cycled 4,000 miles across the mountains, deserts and plains of America to raise thousands of pounds for Fareham's Rainbow Centre finished their epic journey last night.

Simon Wrigglesworth, Nick Morgan, Paul Rowsell, inspector at Gosport, and Alan Hockley, who cycles the Milton beat in Portsmouth, enjoyed a final ride into Port Chester, near New York, after having been reunited with their families.

They set off from Portchester Castle at the start of September in a bid to raise £25,000 to help children with cerebral palsy.

The four had all saved up holiday and taken unpaid leave to fly from London to San Francisco and set off towards the Hampshire town's US namesake.

Since then, the team have cycled 80 to 100 miles a day six days a week for seven weeks.

During their trip the Rainbow Riders, as they have been dubbed, conquered the gruelling Monarch Pass, two miles above sea level in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

They have had a number of scrapes, but are in good spirits after travelling across 11 US states.

The team were reunited with their loved ones in New York on Saturday and rode the last leg into Port Chester High School for 11am yesterday American time (4pm British time.)

Insp Simon Wrigglesworth has been keeping an on-line diary.

He told how they spent their last week visiting Atlantic City and Washington DC.

Insp Wrigglesworth said: "Thanks to all in the UK and the USA who have encouraged us, assisted us, donated to the Rainbow Centre and in any way supported our efforts.

"We cannot express our gratitude enough."

Helen Somerset How, the Rainbow Centre's founder, said she was thrilled that they had achieved their goal: "I am absolutely delighted. The most important thing is that they made it back safe and sound."

The officers are due to be welcomed back to Portchester in Hampshire at a special reception later today.