Britain’s biggest boat builder is putting its weight behind the Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride.

Sunseeker International, which has supported the event for 13 years, has come on board once again as main sponsor.

The Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride has been running for 30 years, and in that time more than £1.4million has been raised with more than 17,000 riders taking part.

The annual event, which will take place on Sunday, July 1, is open to people of all ages and abilities, offering something for everyone, with distances of 10, 25, 38, 48, 63 and 100 miles to choose from.

Last year’s bike ride saw Macmillan raise a total of £76,000 with Gift Aid and attracted more than 725 cyclists.

Ride organiser, Peter Smith-Nicholls hopes to raise more than £100,000 this year and the ride has already attracted substantial entries.

Sunseeker and Macmillan are encouraging volunteers within Dorset to sign up and take part in the ride which helps to fund vital care and support networks for those diagnosed with cancer.

To help raise this figure, the organisers have launched a ‘Give 30’ campaign to encourage supporters to give a little more in the event’s milestone year.

Mr Smith-Nicholls said: “There are a number of ways cyclists can ‘Give 30’ when they enter, but our campaign is not just about giving money, it’s about giving time too.

"We are seeking volunteers who will give anything from 30 minutes to 30 hours in support of the ride and on the day itself. We are extremely proud of the amount we have raised over the last 30 years and we are hoping to exceed the £1.5million mark this July but really need more riders to sign up.

"This incredible figure just shows the amazing support and commitment from all our riders. We already have a good number of entries for this year’s ride but if you haven’t yet done so, please register to take part as your support really will make a difference.”

Bryan Jones, Sunseeker’s marketing manager, added: “This will be year 13 of Sunseeker sponsoring the event and we are proud to be contributing more than ever, ensuring that every penny raised by entrants goes directly to the charity.

"The work they do is simply invaluable and if you can support them by entering the Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride or by sponsoring a rider please, please do so. This year we are hoping to surpass £1million raised since our involvement commenced.”

For more information on supporting the Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride in 2018 and taking part, visit macmillanbikeride.com