The five riders from Kendal Police Division set off from Walney Island, in Cumbria, and were greeted in Sunderland on Friday by a civic delegation.

The 150 mile (241Km) route covers the South Lakes, climbing the Pennines into the Durham Dales and Hamsterley Forest.

It then joins former railway lines to Durham, Hetton-le-Hole and Sunderland.

It is hoped the new route will encourage more tourists onto Wearside.

A website detailing everything about the Walney to Wear (W2W) route has been set up to assist cyclists.

'Lovely scenery'

John Orr, one of the riders, has already completed the other Coast to Coast route, which also ends in Sunderland.

Arriving in Sunderland on Friday afternoon, he told BBC News that the new one compares well.

He said: "It was a bit difficult at times, it is hilly in parts but there is some lovely scenery."

Mr Orr and fellow members of the Kendal Police Division set off on Wednesday morning and their efforts have raised around �1,000 for the South Cumbria Air Ambulance.

Although it was challenge in parts, Mr Orr said it should still appeal to even novice cyclists who will be able to take their time.

He said: "I think it will be popular particularly with the cyclists who have completed the other route and are looking for another challenge."

The route can be cycled either way but Mr Orr said he and his team would be returning to Cumbria on more than two wheels.

The new route links the Irish Sea on the west with the North Sea on the east coast