A Maida Hill charity launched its fight back against budget cuts which have left its future hanging in the balance raised �7,500 with a successful moutain biking event.

Pursuing Independent Paths (PIP), of Shirland Mews, Maida Hill, work to help adults with learning difficulties live independently.

On October 20, a group of 25 riders battled through mud and up hills across 18 miles of Cotswold countryside.

The money raised was donated to the charity’s employment programme which helps people with learning difficulties get into work.

PIP are launching a bid for new private supporters after more than a quarter of their �450,000 annual budget was wiped out in funding cuts.

Director Bill Feeney said: “It was a brilliant day. We got a real mix of people who came together to support us. Some riders were quite fast, others went at their own pace, but everyone was helping each other out when they got a puncture.

“Our future is secure for 2012/13 but we have a deficit of �170,000 to make up next year. We’re having to be very proactive in the face of challenging times.”