CYCLING enthusiasts braved the elements to enjoy the striking autumn colours of the charming Worcestershire countryside and raise vital funds for two local causes.

Around 80 cyclists took part in the annual Bredon Hill Bikeaway, which takes place every autumn and brings in much needed cash for the Pershore Division of St John Ambulance and the Vale of Evesham Community Responders.

The event offered three routes for people wanting a serious bike challenge to those preferring a gentle meander around the lanes. They all started from national horticulture centre Pershore College and covered 49 miles, 19 miles or eight miles.

Wychavon tourism officer Angela Tidmarsh explained that the biggest number of riders were in the retirement age group and most of the entrants took on the longest route which involved cycling around Bredon Hill and extended as far as Kempsey and other villages in south Worcestershire.

She said it demonstrated how popular cycling has become as a number of entrants also cycled to and from the event.

President of Pershore Division of St John Ambulance, ceramics expert, TV personality and national treasure Henry Sandon started the bikeaway which saw the riders clock up a total of around 2,000 miles on the day.

Mrs Tidmarsh said she felt the wet weather had discouraged a few people but those who braved the elements in the morning were rewarded with a lovely afternoon. They also raised over £1,000 for the charities.

St John Ambulance unit manager for Pershore Tomas Davies said: “We are really grateful to everyone who continues to support us and everyone, without question, has a great time as well as keeping fit.

“We are so fortunate to live in such a picturesque area and we appreciate the fact that people travel from all over the West Midlands to take part.”

The Bredon Hill Bikeaway has been staged for around nine years and is a spin off from the Blossom Bikeaway which takes place in April each year and raises fund for the same charities.

Mrs Tidmarsh said this year the two events had raised in the region of £2,500 for the charities and more than £30,000 since the bikeaways first started.