More than 300 cyclists put on their helmets and took to the Essex countryside to show their support for Colchester-based St Helena Hospice at the weekend.

Participants cycled between 10 and 75 miles for the cause, all starting and finishing at Monks Farm in Dedham.

Lisa Chenery, events fundraiser, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who took part in the event – you were all fantastic and we hope you enjoyed the new routes.

“A special thank you to our wonderful volunteers for giving up their time to help make the event a success; we couldn’t have done it without them, particularly our volunteer marshals.

“We’re also extremely grateful to all of the local companies who helped make the event possible by donating their goods or services.”

The total amount raised is yet to be confirmed, with sponsorship money still coming in, but it will help the hospice to meet the £8.9million it needs each year to run its services for free.