HUNDREDS of cyclists turned out to mark the 35th Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride today.

Thousands of 'different cyclists and hundreds of volunteers' have been involved with the fundraising event over the years.

This year's ride is believed to have raised around £35,000 with nearly 400 cyclists taking part.

The annual event started from Corfe Mullen Recreation Ground on Badbury View Road on Sunday.

It was officially opened by 'top fundraiser', Rebecca Carron - who is also battling cancer herself.

There were four distances of 38, 48, 63 and 100 miles for cyclists to choose from.

With participants able to ride along the Stour Valley, Winterbourne Valley and to famous Dorset landmarks such as Bulbarrow Hill and Milton Abbas.

Cyclists left Corfe Mullen Recreation Ground between 8am and 10am and headed towards Wimborne.

They returned throughout the day via Lytchett Matravers.

Peter Smith-Nicholls founded the Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride in 1989 and has been helped by a 'loyal band of volunteers and supporters' throughout its history.

He said: "It's gone really well today. Good weather for cycling. No rain reported or anything.

"We've had a good crowd. Nearly 400 people.

"I'm so pleased the event’s picking up a bit after two or three years of Covid.

"Even last year, we had cyclists and volunteers calling off at the last minute because they couldn't come because of Covid.

"We've had some good interest actually. In the last week or so.

"But we're getting some positive feedback."

"Everybody seems to have enjoyed the day. And I know there's some people who've done really well with fundraising as well, which is encouraging because it's not easy times with the cost of living."

Peter said that riders have raised over £35,000 this year for the charity.

He added: "I think what brings it home to me… talking to people like cyclists… people who are going through cancer themselves. Another one of our top fundraisers… he's got an incurable cancer and he's cycled 100 miles today and raised over £1,000.

"A lot of people also come to me and say, support [Macmillan] because they've done a great job of somebody in my family or whatever."

For more information, visit the Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride website.