'Ancient rift' repaired by 300-mile ride - mayor

An ancient rift between two places 300 miles (480km) apart has been repaired, according to a town's mayor.

Richard Slade, mayor of St Neots, Cambridgeshire, cycled from the town to the village of St Neot, Cornwall, over the bank holiday weekend to improve relations, as well as raising charity cash.

Legend suggests people from Cambridgeshire travelled to Cornwall 1,000 years ago and stole the bones of Saint Neot, beginning the dispute.

But despite the hostilities of days gone by, Mr Slade said the villagers were "so welcoming" upon his arrival on Monday.

He has raised almost £10,000 for theatre groups in St Neots, thanks to his gruelling effort.

"It was really tough," Slade told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

"The hills were brutal; absolutely brutal. It was really tough trying to get up and down them."

Slade said St Neot's only pub - the London Inn - opened early for his arrival, adding he had a "lovely pint" inside.

He then met local historians, parish councillors and residents and watched a Victory in Europe (VE) Day celebration.

"They're so welcoming; it has a lovely feel to it," Slade said.

"It's lovely because they all said 'Let's get in touch, let's make a solid connection and carry it on between our town places'."

Rather than the bones of a saint, Slade was sent home with a map of the area and pin badges from the village football club.

It was a move all parties hoped would only continue to improve relations.

"There's only 150 of them made, so they've asked me to take them back to our football club in St Neots in Cambridgeshire," he added.

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