CYCLISTS are being encouraged to get on their bikes for the Great Somerset Cycle to raise money for St Margaret's Hospice Care.

There is a choice of routes - either 40 miles from Yeovil to Taunton or the other way round, or an 80-mile circular ride.

Last year's event featured more than 100 riders, who raised around £22,000. Entries are now open for this year's event on Sunday, March 29, costing £25

Sonia Bateman, events fundraiser at St Margaret’s, said: "This will be our third Great Somerset Cycle. It’s a friendly, non-competitive ride and there’s always a warm welcome for our supporters when they cross the finish line.

"To make this year’s event as accessible as possible, we have a choice of routes, rated easy, hard or tough."

The event is open to riders aged 12 and over, though anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Cyclists will set off simultaneously from the Yeovil and Bishop's Hull hospices at 9am.

Most of the ride is on quiet B-roads, which will be marshalled for safety, with on-course mechanical support to help in case of punctures.

Refreshments will be available before and after the ride, with a water station at the halfway point.

For route details and to book your place, visit st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/great-somerset-cycle-20