Hundreds of horse riders are set to descend on Dorset’s coast for a unique event in aid of a vital cancer charity.

The Macmillan Jurassic Coast Ride, organised by keen riders Janet Lickiss and Claire Ferguson, will bring horse lovers from all over the country to the Jurassic Coast in June.

250 riders of all ages and abilities will embark on a 12-mile, or a more challenging 25-mile route around the Lulworth Estate, home to popular beauty spots Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Lulworth Castle. The event is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity which helps people affected by cancer, their family and friends

Janet, from East Stoke, said: “Claire and I, who are both on the committee for the Macmillan Christmas shopping fair at Kingston Maurward, though it would be a good idea to organise a ride around the Estate. We were given permission by James Weld as Macmillan is his chosen charity.

"We had a limit of 250 people but when I put on Facebook at the start of the year the event got more than 1,000 likes in a few hours.

"Claire and I went out recently and rode the route which takes you round coast, wetlands and bridleways you wouldn't normally be able to ride around. Quite a lot of local riders wanted to ride these bridleways but we also have people coming from Bristol and up north."

The route will take riders along the picturesque coast path, near the Durdle Door area and around Coombe Keynes and Chaldon Herring.

Janet added: "From entries alone we have raised more than £6,000 and many of the riders have set up their own JustGiving page. The ride will start at 9am with a rolling start until 11.30am."

Janet and Claire are hoping to run the event annually if this year's inaugural ride proves a success. It takes place on Sunday, June 17.

Limited spaces are still available for the 25-mile route, with a waiting list in place for other routes. Search for the event and sign up at equoevents.co.uk