AN Australian family has heaped praise on the owners of Helmsley guest house after they transformed a nightmare start to their cycling holiday into a happy milestone in their lives.

Paul Buckland, his wife, Sharon, and sons, James, 11 and Chris 14, from Queensland, were cycling in Ryedale as part of a self-guided tour from York to Helmsley.

“But”, said Mr Buckland, in a letter to the town council, “it was our first day. The conditions were cyclonic, with incredible head winds and pouring rain the whole day. It was horrific.

“Our youngest boy struggled with his bike and fell heavily several times. All our possessions were soaked. We were terribly cold, wet and exhausted, and nearly overcome and distraught, when we finally managed to get to the Red Roofs bed and breakfast in Carlton Road.

“There waiting anxiously for us were Marco and Jane Baben. They were the most kind and caring people we have ever met in our travels. These wonderful people took us and our children in and looked after us. They sorted out our bicycles, washed and dried all our clothes, helped us organise a meal.

“Their warmth heartened us and lifted our spirits. Then the next day, when we were intimidated by the thought of another six days’ cycling and unsure what to do, they helped us again.

“It was a much nicer day and Marco drove us to Rievaulx Abbey where we were able to relax and enjoy the beauty of this spectacular place.

“Later, he picked us up and drove us around the countryside. Feeling better we decided to continue our cycling and he gave us and our cycles, with their trailer, a lift to a beautiful location half-way into our next day’s itinerary.

“Our bags found their way magically to our next accommodation.

“Marco and Jane turned what could have been an awful experience into the greatest memory and adventure we have ever had as a family.

“Without them, I don’t know how we would have managed. We certainly would have become sick and might have ended our cycling tour and begun heading for home.

“Instead, we are planning to come back to the UK in two years to explore North Yorkshire for at least six months. The love and concern they showed us humbles me – they were real angels.”

Mr Baben said: “It was lovely for the Buckland family to write so kindly about us. We were very happy to look after them because they had had a great ordeal cycling in such bad weather.”