NEARLY 700 cyclists took part in a charity ride challenge in Purbeck on Sunday morning (SEPT 6).

The fourth Rotary Dorset Sportive Charity Bike Ride, held in aid of Cancer Research UK, saw riders take on a variety of challenging routes ranging from 10 to 108 miles, with more than 7,000 feet of climbs.

Starting at Longthorns Camp Site, next to Monkey World, the cyclists enjoyed a scenic tour of the Dorset countryside while raising thousands of pounds for the charity.

Cancer Research UK senior local fundraising manager Shelley Davies said: "It has been an amazing day.

"There have been around 680 riders in total taking part, riding as many as 108 miles. I was out checking them in.

"Many of them commented about what a beautiful route it is, out towards Lulworth and Durdle Door.

"And we couldn't have asked for a better day for it, after all the rain we have been having."

The ride is organised by Dorset Rotary on behalf of the charity, and over the past four years has raised tens of thousands of pounds.

Ms Davies said they hope Sunday's ride will take the total raised from the event to more than £100,000.

"When the event first started we took £17,000 and only 300 people took part, so it is going up big time," she said.

"The amount raised is even more amazing when you consider that only a quarter of those taking part are fundraisers.

"A lot of the riders do a lot of cycling events and can't commit to raising funds for all of them, but we are hoping to encourage more people to do so. Think of how much we could raise."

The event, put together with the help of the Purbeck Peloton Cycle Club, included 10, 22, 35, 44, 55, 71 and 81 mile circular routes in addition to the 108-mile Etape.

Participants were also in with the chance of winning a host of prizes for their sponsorship including a prize draw for a new bike, six months' membership to a leisure club and £30 bike vouchers.