A nine-year-old from Maldon was one of more than 1,000 cyclists from around the county and beyond to take part in Ride for Helen 2021.

The cyclists gathered at Crix in Hatfield Peverel to take part in the event, which raised more than £50,000 for the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

The annual bike ride, now in its eighth year, has become a firm favourite on the Essex cycling calendar. The charity welcomed riders of all ages and abilities with a choice of cycling routes - six miles, 15 miles, 30 miles and 65 miles.

Those enjoying the beautiful countryside routes included families with small children, seasoned road cyclists and even a nnicyclist and penny farthings!

Gregory Bloyce, nine, from Maldon took part in the six-mile route with his dad and raised £600 in sponsorship.

Gregory said: "I really enjoyed the event but got a bit wet in the rain! Next year I hope to do the 15 mile route and I can't wait."

Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Community Fundraiser Karen Mitchell said: "What a fantastic turnout with over 1,000 supporters attending our annual Ride for Helen raising in the region of £50,000 for the charity, with almost half of the income being generated from sponsorship and more money is flooding in! This event will fund 2,000 counselling appointments or 1,000 reflexology sessions for our clients.

Karen thanked the local businesses and volunteers for supporting Ride for Helen, including:

-Bishop Nick Brewery for their well-received beers

-Ian and Alison Twinley for hosting the event every year at Crix in Hatfield Peverel

-Tiptree (Wilkins & Sons) for sponsoring riders' medals

-Group 1 Audi Essex for rider support

-Spokes Cycle Care & Repair in Chelmsford for helping with cycle checks and rider maintenance on the day

-Nature's Choice Catering Greengrocer Ltd for bananas

-Readings Greengrocers in Braintree for bananas

-Great Braxted Farm Shop for bananas

-Eat Natural in Halstead for rider snacks

-Multitech Site Services Ltd in Great Dunmow for financial support

-Anytime Fitness Witham for providing water supplies, hosting rider warm-ups and sports massage/hamstring checks on the day

-The Duke of Wellington Pub in Hatfield Peverel for providing water

-Chelmer Radio who were playing music on the day.

The Helen Rollason Cancer Charity is dedicated to championing quality of life for everyone living with or affected by cancer through the provision of support centres, complementary therapies, information and advice and supporting clinical trials.