Ref. 25668-06Hundreds of cyclists got into gear for a charity ride on one of the hottest days of the year.

As temperatures topped 80 yesterday, the start line of the Wiltshire Heart Cycle Ride at Lydiard Park was packed with 400 bikers.

A 52-mile route wound its way around Tetbury, Hullavington and Brinkworth, while a shorter route of 28 miles was also available.

Chris Stanley, 42, of Loughborough Close, in Grange Park, had turned the ride into a family and neighbourhood affair.

The computer software project manager explained: "I saw the ride advertised in various leaflets and thought it would be fun to get all our road involved.

"The British Heart Foundation is a good charity to cycle for. We all need our hearts."

Mr Stanley's sons Michael and Josh, both pupils at Bradon Forest School, were also joining in the fun.

Michael, 14, said: "The longest ride I have done was to Daunstey and back which was about 26 miles. I haven't done any training for this one though."

His neighbour John Smith, who works at Swindon Pressings, was using the British Heart Foundation ride as a warm up for a 900-mile ride next week.

"I am going to Nice, in the south of France, and will cycle all the way back," he said.

"I think it's between 800 and 900 miles but it could be more depending on whether I get lost along the journey!"

Paulette Ward, 42, the BHF's regional administrator, said she was pleased to see so many late entrants for the race.

She added: "The weather has brought out more people. It's brilliant."

The ride usually raises around £10,000 for the charity.