THE Lulworth Estate has held its first ever off-road cycling event - with nearly 40 riders taking part in the 59km route.

Sunday's event, held in conjunction with British Cycling, included sections of the estate not usually accessible to the public.

Organiser Stephen Muncaster, of Experience Lulworth Outdoors, said: "It was great to welcome so many people to the estate for our first off-road event.

"Everybody completed the ride - with some even stopping for a cream tea at Lulworth Castle en-route.

"The feedback has been really positive. We're already looking forward to planning more rides over the coming months."

The Lulworth Estate extends over 20 square miles of the south Dorset countryside, including five miles of the Jurassic Coast and internationally renowned landmarks such as Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Lulworth Castle.

Since 1641 the estate has been owned and managed by the Weld family.