WORCESTERSHIRE cyclists are being encouraged to take part in Ride London and raise money for the British Red Cross.

Thousands of people are set to take part in the event, starting in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London, on August 10 and for now the entry fee is only £10.

The ride will cover 100 miles around London and Surrey, including leg-testing climbs up Box Hill faced by Olympic riders in 2012.

Rachel Olney, senior community fundraiser for the Red Cross in Worcestershire, said: "This is a seriously awesome event, and what a bargain? I’m really keen that in this year of Le Depart, we put out a really strong Red Cross team, don’t let me down folks.

"All money raised will go enable the Red Cross to help people whose lives have been devastated by crises and disasters, in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the UK and overseas. These include, house fires, extreme weather, flooding, typhoons, earthquakes, famine and war."

Anyone that takes part must raise £399 but by joining Team Red Cross riders will receive full fundraising and training support and be put you in touch with other riders taking part.

To registers to take part visit redcross.org.uk/bikerides and for more information contact Rachel Olney

on 07738 340581 or rolney@redcross.org.uk.