ORGANISERS hope a landmark anniversary event of a major fundraiser will be its biggest yet as they sound the call for people to join up.

Cyclists are being invited to sign up for the 10th anniversary Rotary Dorset Bike Ride and make the event the biggest to date.

It is hoped more than 500 riders will sign up for this year's event which will take place on Sunday October 9, starting and finishing at Longthorns Campsite, next to Monkey World near Bovington.

This cycle challenge is shaped for riders of all ages and abilities, with five routes – from 22 miles to 108 miles – tailored for families and amateurs, to serious cyclists.

This event has raised money for a number of charities over the past ten years, including an impressive £300,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Organiser Richard Burnett said: “Our tenth anniversary is a huge landmark, and we are determined that this year’s event is the biggest ever, raising vital funds for cancer research.

“Our aim is for all entrants to have a great day out, whether that’s families riding together, or competitive cyclists pushing their limits.

“There’s a serious side to the event, which offers cancer survivors, and those celebrating the lives of friends and family members impacted by cancer to fight back, providing much needed funds for research.

"Come on, let’s make this Dorset’s biggest cycle ride for charity."

This year’s event will offer entrants five cycle routes, comprising 22, 35, 55, 70 and 108 miles distances, through beautiful Dorset countryside.

Riders are invited to sign up for the event by visiting www.dorset-bike-ride.co.uk. A discounted entry fee is available by registering in advance online – this begins at £35 per rider, increasing to £40 for registrations on the day.

Children under-16 are free for all routes, if they are registered online and accompanied by a paying adult.

The organisers are also looking for volunteers and marshals to support the coordination of the event.