I WAS very glad to watch the Tour of Britain arrive in Kendal and be in the cheerful crowd of spectators.

The race marshals were friendly, courteous and helpful, but firm. Less pleasant was the sour comment of one member of the public who said: "Cyclists - they all want shooting"; and another offered me "the phone number for Switzerland" after I told a marshal he was trying to unlock a barrier.

On Wednesday afternoon last week I stood by the A6 to photograph some of those riding from Land's End to John O' Groats, a gruelling journey up many hills in a battering headwind. Many waved and called to me.

I couldn't count the number of charities they were supporting.

Wendy Chandler

Selside