OVER £50,000 was raised for life-saving research by cyclists who pedalled up to 100 miles for a good cause.

The fifth annual Rotary Dorset Bike Ride in aid of Cancer Research UK, which took place in September, has smashed its previous fund raising target thanks to a record turnout, which collected over £54,000.

Around 800 participants got on their bikes to follow routes travelling from Bovington, through Wool, Stoborough, Wareham, Bere Regis, Puddletown, Winfrith and Lulworth.

David King, who organises the event, said: "A huge thank you to all those who rode in the event and a very special thanks to those that raised sponsorship for their ride.

"Dale Holland won the prize draw for the new bike kindly donated by Cyclexperience after raising over £2,000 which is a fantastic effort. The cause was especially important to Dale as his wife has cancer.

He added: "The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Wareham with help from Rotary clubs from Swanage, Bridport and Dorchester in addition to the many friends of Rotary."

He also said that the event was made possible by a vast number of sponsors. Since it was first launched, the event has collectively raised over £150,000 for charity.

David said that a date has already been set for next year, with the event taking place on September 17, 2017. Riders of all abilities are welcome from those who normally ride alongside family to more serious cyclists, with routes ranging from 10-miles up to 100-miles.

Cancer Research UK statistics show that one in two people will be diagnosed at some point in their life. Lung, bowel, breast and prostate cancers together accounted for almost half of all cancer deaths in the UK in 2014.

The Rotary Club of Wareham is part of a worldwide voluntary organisation that draws its members from men and women from all walks of life, who meet socially and engage in charitable work.

For more information, go to Warehamrotary.co.uk