Local charity Farleigh Hospice has announced its annual cycling event, Cycle for Life, will "return to the roads of mid-Essex" on Sunday 18 September.

Farleigh provides free, award-winning hospice care those affected by life-limiting illnesses and bereavement across mid Essex. The charity celebrates its 40th birthday this year and Cycle for Life is an important event in its fundraising calendar.

Selina Joslin, Farleigh's Fundraising Lead, said: "Last year, nearly 350 people took part, from beginners and families enjoying a fun ride through the beautiful Essex countryside to experienced cyclists looking for a greater challenge.

"There is a choice of three scenic routes - 20, 50 or 100 kilometres – all starting and finishing at Farleigh Hospice in Chelmsford."

Cycle for Life appeals to cyclists of all abilities. (Photo: Farleigh Hospice)

The shortest distance is a family-friendly route, ideal for beginners or younger cyclists, while the 50km route is a relaxed ride through all eight of the Essex Rodings:

1. Abbess Roding
2. Aythorpe Roding
3. Beauchamp Roding
4. Berners Roding
5. High Roding
6. Leaden Roding
7. Margaret Roding
8. White Roding

The longest course is more of a challenge. Cyclists will pass through the Rodings, before visiting the 'picturesque' villages of Thaxted and Finchingfield and then following 35km of the 2014 Tour de France route.

This is a fundraising event, so the hospice is encouraging everybody wishing to take part to get sponsored.

Selina said: "As this is our 40th birthday year, we hope to see even more cyclists at the start line, and we are very grateful to everyone who asks their family and friends to sponsor them.

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"Every penny will help us continue to provide much-needed care and support.

"If you're not a keen cyclist, please help make the day a success by joining our team of fantastic event volunteers."

"Every penny will help us continue to provide much-needed care and support." Selina Joslin, Farleigh Hospice Fundraising Lead

It costs £20 to enter the 20km route, £30 for the 50km route and £40 for the 100km route. Children under the age of 18 can enter for free but they must register and be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, click here or visit Farleigh Hospice's website.