WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance is encouraging people to get on their bikes and raise money for the charity by taking part in the Wiltshire Big Wheel and Wiltshire 100.

This is the first time that the charity has been involved in the public cycling event, organised by Bristol-based Bike Events, and riders can choose from a 12-mile family challenge, a 45-mile or 100-mile route.

It takes place on Sunday, September 6, and there is still time to book a place.

The routes all begin and end at The Green in Devizes and go through the Vale of Pewsey. The 45-mile route goes to Marlborough and the 100-miles route takes in the Wylye Valley and Salisbury.

Rebecca de la Bedoyere, WAA’s fundraising manager, said: “We’ve been looking into cycling challenges for some time and our Silver Jubilee year seemed the perfect time to take part in our first major cycling event.

"Cycling has rocketed in popularity in recent years and we’re delighted to be working with Bike Events, an established and experienced cycling event organiser based in Bristol.

“The Wiltshire Big Wheel starts and finishes a stone’s throw from our operations centre in Devizes and takes in 12, 45 or 100 miles of our incomparable Wiltshire scenery.

"Anyone can get involved and what better way to raise funds for a charity that exists to help anyone who lives, works or travels in Wiltshire?”

For more information go to the website www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or email hello@wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or to book a place call 01380 739453.