HUNDREDS of cyclists are saddling up this morning to raise money for charity today in the 26th annual Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride.

Cyclists started leaving Corfe Mullen Recreation Ground at 8am to head towards Wimborne, and then return throughout the day via Lytchett Matravers.

There is a choice of five circular routes including a 25-mile ride through Charborough Park, as well as 38, 48, 60 and 100 mile rides though the Stour and Winterborne Valleys.

Organisers are asking motorists to be particularly vigilant as cyclists cross the main roads, especially on the A31 at Almer and Red Post near Bere Regis and the A350 at Lytchett Matravers.

All the usual support will be available including mechanics from Primera, the massage team from the Anglo European Clinic of Chiropractic, as well as more than 100 Macmillan volunteers supplying refreshments and encouraging cyclists on all of the routes.

All the money raised through sponsorship will go to Macmillan and everyone raising more than £100 will have the chance to receive a £10 Primera voucher.

The ride was started by veteran Macmillan cyclist Gerry Robinson, of Broadstone, who has been taking part in the Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride for many years and has raised more than £10,000 for Macmillan.