SWINDON CANCER APEAL: Cyclists young and old are preparing to get on their bikes and ride in the name of charity.

The seventh Castles Mountain Bike Ride is planned for June 8 and organisers are hoping hundreds of Swindonians will turn up to make it the biggest and most successful event so far.

All the money raised will go to Swindon Cancer Appeal.

This year participants will have the choice of three courses covering 10, 15 or 25 miles of the Ridgeway.

Along the way, riders will take in some of England's oldest roads and pass landmarks, including Barbury Castle.

The largest group completing the 25-mile course will receive a special Macmillan Trophy, donated by Mitchell's Cycles in Shrivenham Road, Swindon.

Ride organiser Jill Greenaway, 63, said: "The most riders we have had is around 350 and this year we are hoping to beat that.

"It's such a great day out. If someone isn't doing so well, or is finding a particular part difficult, you see others helping them through it.

"People feel tired at the end of the ride but they have all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and raised money for Macmillan."

The 6,000-year-old Ridgeway track runs from Overton Hill to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire and is thought to be the oldest road in Europe.

Competitors set off from the Croft Sports Centre in Marlborough Lane and most of the course takes place off-road so mountain bikes are essential.

The full course is longer than a marathon but the alternative shorter distances ensure that riders of all abilities can enjoy the event. Fellow organiser Roger Hayes, 66, said the atmosphere on the ride is fantastic.

"We have such lovely countryside around Swindon," he said. "There's no better way to spend a fun weekend with the family and get some exercise in than cycling.

"We have altered the courses this year to find something that suits everybody, from the young, inexperienced rider to the more mature ones."

Over the last decade the event has raised more than £100,000 for a variety of worthy causes.

Entry for the ride, which is sponsored by Skurrays Vauxhall, costs £4. Accompanied children under 16 years pay £2, and entry on the day costs £10.

For more details and entry forms call Jill Greenaway on 01793 521630 or email jillgreenaway@ntlworld.com