Keen cyclists are being urged to saddle up for a ride around the Cotswolds in aid of a Gloucestershire charity.

Entries are now open for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice's much-loved annual Ride for Ryder cycling event on Sunday, 10th July.

Returning for its 34th year, the Ride for Ryder event will see participants saddle up and cycle a scenic Cotswolds route of their choice - with distances ranging from 40km to 130km.

Hopeful that this year's fundraising efforts will surpass last year's staggering £40,000 raised, Sue Ryder would like to encourage as many people as possible to get involved and help Leckhampton Court Hospice provide expert and compassionate care - whether that be eager cyclists or those who are new to cycling and looking for a challenge.

Sponsored by Allstone Speedy Skips, Ride for Ryder is suitable for people of all abilities and fitness levels, with four routes to choose from varying in distance, including 40km, 90km, 130km and new for 2022 a 60km route for those Riders wishing to take it up a gear from the 40km route. Collectively, last year's cyclists cycled a total 21,000km - the equivalent of going to Australia and back!

Along the way, riders will be treated to spectacular Cotswold countryside views as they travel through villages of Broadway, Stanway, Guiting Power, Weston-sub-Edge and more - and will be met with Covid-safe food and water stations along the way.

Previous 'Ryder', Brian Smith, said: "The Ride for Ryder event was brilliant; I had a smile on my face from start to finish. Not only is the route and scenery stunning, but it makes it even more worthwhile knowing that money raised goes to such an important cause. So many patients and families rely on Leckhampton Court Hospice for their services, as they really do make such a difference. I will certainly be signing up again!"

Matt Reay, senior community fundraiser at the hospice, said: "With last year's Ride for Ryder being the first fundraising event for us after the outbreak of the pandemic, we were thrilled with the amount raised for the charity and the sheer volume of people wishing to be involved.

"We really are extremely grateful to each and every participant for lending their time and effort. I hope that this year's event will be just as successful as last year's, if not more! Ride for Ryder is a fantastic event and the money raised really does make a huge difference."

Thanks to event sponsorship from long-term partner Allstone Speedy Skips, all funds raised by participants this year will be driven into funding the outstanding palliative and bereavement support given by Sue Ryder nurses.

Simon Ford, CEO of Allstone Speedy Skips, is delighted that they are sponsoring this year's cycling event for the second year running. Simon said: "Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice is there when it matters most for so many patients and families in our local community - and now it is our turn to be there for them. We're delighted to once again be lending our support to one of the best loved charity cycle rides in Gloucestershire.""

For those wishing to get stuck in, registration is now open online at www.sueryder.org/rideforryder  with early bird discounts available until midnight on Monday 2nd May.