The Bishop of Carlisle – the national chaplain of the Royal British Legion – has taken to pedal power to boost Poppy Appeal funds.

The Rt Rev’d James Newcome joined MPs and Peers who were taking part in the Industry and Parliament Trust’s Static Bike Ride.

Bishop James – who sits in the House of Lords as the Church of England’s lead bishop on health care – was at Portcullis House in Westminster to take on the challenge of cycling as far as possible in five minutes on an exercise bike.

He was among more than 80 other MPs and Peers who were encouraged to make donations to the RBL’s annual Poppy Appeal as they took part.

Bishop James said: “There was a fair degree of quiet competitiveness among the participants as to who could cycle the furthest but it was all great fun.

“I think I performed creditably but more importantly the charity static bike ride has helped to raise money for the Central Parliamentary Poppy Appeal.

“My thanks, as National Chaplain of the Royal British Legion, go to the Industry and Parliament Trust for organising this event.

“It is through events such as this and the many thousands of Remembrance services which will be held next weekend that we can ensure the sacrifice made by others is never forgotten.”

Bishop James clocked up 2.22 miles, leaving him as one of the early pace setters on the leader board and only 0.13 miles behind comedian John Bishop who also took part in the challenge.

Members in the Welsh Assembly also undertook the same 12-hour challenge. Collectively the two legislatures cycled the equivalent distance from London to the Somme.