PIRATES jumped ship and took to their bikes in a family treasure hunt through the Essex countryside.

Volunteers of the National Cycle Route 11 Sustrans organised the Pirate Cycle Treasure Hunt last month. And it proved a success as 14 teams made up of 42 riders, children ranging in age from eight to 12, took part.

The seven-mile route started and finished in Berden and passed through Stocking Pelham and Clavering.

The winners were Team Yeowells: Clare and John Howell and their children Emily and Olivia, from Berden. They won a �50 voucher to spend at Newdales cycling shop in Saffron Walden.

Runners up were the Woodlands Wanderers made up of Matt, Chiara, aged eight, and seven-year-old Annabelle Gillham from Bishop’s Stortford. They received a Sustrans tee-shirt and some jam and wine.

One of the organisers said: “Berden village committee put on a barbecue - everybody enjoyed themselves and most had come dressed as pirates. They were all keen to know when the next event will be.”

The event was sponsored by Benten & Co Chartered Certified Accountants and Auditors of Saffron Walden.