Hundreds of riders will take to the hills of Swindon to raise money for a worthwhile cause.

The Swindon fundraising Committee have organised an annual challenging MacMillan Castles Bike for many years and this one will be the twenty-second.

The ride, which will raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, will be kicked off by the Mayor of Swindon from the Croft Leisure Centre in Marlborough Lane at 10am on June 3.

Lew Lawton, course planner said: “It is really great to see families and groups of friends taking part - in fact there is a shield awarded to the largest team taking part.

“In recent years, in response to requests from cyclists who only own road bikes we have added a challenging 23 mile road only route so we now cater for almost everyone.”

The event attracts about 300 riders every year, with many riders coming back year after year.

The event is mainly for mountain bikes and by offering courses of 10, 20 and about 32 miles the event appeals to riders of all abilities.

The route takes in areas such as Hodson, Barbury Castle, Hackpen, Rockley, Ogbourne St George, Chiseldon and Coate Water.

The Macmillan charity is a constant source of support, giving the energy and inspiration to help patients take back control of their lives and feel more like themselves again.

The charity’s ambition is to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer and to inspire millions of others to do the same.

For more information and to enter the event go to the web site www.castlesbikeride.co.uk