Almost 200 women got on their bikes for charity earlier today and cycled hundreds of miles to support St Nicholas Hospice.

The second-ever Women on Wheels (WoW) event, which started in Nowton Park, near Bury St Edmunds, was hailed as a success.

A total of 185 riders took part and raised money for the Bury-based hospice which cares for patients with life-threatening illnesses. The cyclists covered routes of either five, 20 or 50 miles.

Double the number of women entered this year, and development director of the organisers, Abbeycroft Leisure, Alison Blackwell, said it was a “fantastic” day.

“It is great to see the numbers taking part in the 50 miles ride, new for this year. It is our legacy from The Women’s Tour,” she said.

“What has come from this is not only a great event but women who have signed up to WoW now go out informally on rides together sometimes two-to-three times a week as part of a group which was started by WoW participants.”

The ride was organised by Abbeycroft Leisure in partnership with Cycle Suffolk, Mildenhall Cycling Club, the West Suffolk Wheelers and Triathlon Club, Suffolk Sport, and St Nicholas Hospice Care and aimed to encourage more women and girls to get on their bikes.

Sponsorship money is still being collected so the amount raised will be announced at a later date.