MORE than 160 riders set off from Dorset for Devizes today for the first Julia's House hospice to hospice cycle ride.

Most set off from the children's hospice in Corfe Mullen, Dorset, to tackle part the 100km (66-mile) route with just under 40 riding for 200km (124 miles), the extra distance being made up with a loop in the New Forest.

Julia’s House has just signed a 999-year lease on two former offices at the old Kennet District Council headquarters at Browfort and it is hoped that work can begin this summer so Wiltshire can have its own children's hospice next year.

The riders were sent off with words of encouragement from Julia's House chief executive Martin Edwards.

Rain fell on the 200k riders, heading to the New Forest, but it did ease and, aside from occasional heavy showers, the day was drier than many expected.

At Devizes Leisure Centre, finishing riders were presented with a medal and had the chance to enjoy a hog roast and other refreshments in sunshine.

"We're extremely pleased with how it went," said Ian Wadley, Julia's House fundraising manager, said at the finish at Devizes Leisure Centre.

"We hope this will now become an annual event."

The Gazette & Herald's 200 Appeal aims to raise £100,000 to support eight community carers for the children's hospice in Wiltshire and web editor Bruno Clements,54, completed the 200k route.

He said: "I think we were all gritting our teeth a bit at the start, as it was so wet, but we were all there to raise money for this great cause and we soon forgot about having wet feet and hands.

"There was a great atmosphere among the riders, with everyone chatting away in contrast to some sportive rides which can be taken a bit seriously by those out to set personal best times.

"The support workers all did a fantastic job and we were encouraged along the way at feed stations and by those manning the event vans.

"I think some of those who rode the 100k route deserve a special mention - it's a long way to go if you're not used to distance riding, especially on hybrid and mountain bikes."

Sponsor Bruno at bit.ly/1tcrC8u and see this week's Gazette for a full report and more pictures