A charity is calling for Chelmsford residents to saddle up and enjoy a day out on their bikes - and raise some much needed cash at the same time.

That's right, Ride for Helen is back again in May to raise money for Chelmsford's Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

The bike ride, which is in its third year, takes place on Sunday, May 8, and features four routes designed for all ages and abilities.

The shortest six mile route is ideal for families and for each paying adult, there is a free junior place for children aged 16 and under.

The longest route – 65 miles – is also set to be a highly popular option for the keen adult cyclists who have been great supporters of the event since it began in 2014.

HRCC fundraising manager Kate Alden said: “Last year’s Ride For Helen raised more than £38,000 with 830 cyclists taking part.

"This year we’re hoping the wider choice of routes will attract the keenest of cyclists but also more families to join in too.”

The event – supported by Essex Audi Group - starts and finishes in Hatfield Peverel with four circular courses of six miles, 15 miles, 35 miles and 65 miles.

• 6 miles – for the beginner or family with children

• 15 miles – for the occasional cyclist looking for a pleasant country ride

• 35 miles – for the regular cyclist looking for a challenge cycling on country roads

• 65 miles – for the keen adult cyclist looking for a great ride on country roads and lanes. 

It is hoped that more than 1,000 cyclists will take part in this year’s event, raising much needed cash to support people living with cancer.

Prices start from £15 per adults and £8 for fee-paying juniors.

The event base at Hatfield Peverel will feature refreshments, entertainment, a photo point, post race relaxation opportunities and cycling equipment to buy.

“It was a great atmosphere last year and it promises to be even better this time around,” added Kate. “We’re looking forward to seeing as many people as possible taking part in an event which is great fun and for a very worthy cause.”

Darren Thompson, Head of Business at Essex Audi Group is once again delighted to be a part of such a positive event: “As a group we thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the bike ride last year, and we hope this year is even more successful than the last, with staff from all centres taking part we hope to raise as much money as we can for this amazing cause.”

To register go to www.rideforhelen.co.uk, or to find out more call 01245 380719, or visit www.helenrollason.org.uk.

You can also find out more about the great work that Helen Rollason Cancer Charity does at the website mentioned. The first 150 riders to register will receive a FREE t-shirt.

• Could you spare a couple of hours to volunteer on the day as a route marshal, or help out at the Hatfield Peverel event base? Call 01245 380719, or email fundraising@helenrollason.org.uk