ABOUT 300 cyclists took part in the Essex Castle Ride to raise money for CLIC, the charity that raises money for children suffering from cancer.The annual sponsored bike ride started and finished within sight of Colchester Castle and the 70-mile route went as far as Castle Hedingham.

ABOUT 300 cyclists took part in the Essex Castle Ride to raise money for CLIC, the charity that raises money for children suffering from cancer.

The annual sponsored bike ride started and finished within sight of Colchester Castle and the 70-mile route went as far as Castle Hedingham.

There were three route to choose from – 15, 50 or 70 miles – and the ride was open to children and adults.

Organiser Iain Masheder said: "We're hoping to raise in excess of £10,000."

The EADT is trying to raise £50,000 with our CLIC into Action campaign, to fund a children's cancer nurse and play specialist for East Anglia – and there is less than £3,000 to go to reach our target.

Another CLIC into Action fundraising event taking place later this month is a black tie gala ball at the Belstead Brook Hotel, in Ipswich, on September 25. Guests will be entertained by illusionists and magicians during a delicious three-course meal. A charity auction will follow, with prizes including a week in a private apartment in Lanzarote and tickets to top London shows. Guests will finish the evening dancing to Strate Linze and gambling in a 1920s gangster-style casino.

The charity ball, organised by Days to Remember events management, will take place on Thursday, September 25 at the Belstead Brook Hotel in Ipswich at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £47.50 each, or £450 for a table of 10. For tickets contact Dianne Ffitch on 01473 890964 or email dianne@daystoremember.co.uk. Alternatively send a cheque with contact details and a request for tickets to Days to Remember - CLIC, 36 Church Road, Otley, Ipswich IP69NP.

Other items up for grabs at the auction will include: a luxury weekend break at a Four Pillars Hotel, a night at the Salthouse Harbour Hotel, tickets to Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and top London shows, ladies and gents watches, a round of golf for two, a stay at Centre Parcs, a weekend in Aldeburgh, a chauffeur driven Jaguar from H R Owen, a medieval banquet for two in London, a day at Windsor Racecourse, carpet cleaning and a hamper from Harrods.

Donations to CLIC into Action can be made by credit or debit card to the campaign donation line on 0800 1383810.

You can also pay by cheque payable to CLIC into Action and sent direct to CLIC 8 Wren Close Thurston Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP313TQ or to any of the East Anglian Daily Times offices. Cheques can also be paid direct into any branch of Lloyds TSB quoting CLIC into Action sort code 30 00 01 account number 02693685. Donations can also be made via the CLIC website at www clic uk com/ donfr htm quoting ref CIA We are also asking for disused ink and printer cartridges to be deposited for CLIC into Action using special boxes located in EADT offices. The CLIC registered charity number is 802396.