BROMSGROVE and Redditch cyclists are being encouraged to get on their bikes for a charity challenge supporting a local hospice.

More than 50,000 cyclists entered the ballot to take part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, with all the places being snapped up.

But Primrose Hospice has secured four places on the ride, which are being made available on a first-come-first-served basis.

The ride has been organised to celebrate the legacy for cycling created by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Being held on Sunday, August 10, it starts at the new Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and follows a 100-mile route on closed roads through the capital and into Surrey's stunning countryside.

It features tough climbs on a route made famous when international cyclists competed at the London 2012 Olympics.

The route has been designed to be perfect for both experienced club riders, and recreational cyclists.

All money raised is being donated to the Primrose Hospice, in St Godwald's Road, which supports people in Bromsgrove and Redditch who are facing an end of life situation, and also their families.

Katie Willington, the hospice's fundraising administrator, said: "Slower cyclists will enjoy a challenging ride while faster riders will relish the opportunity to pit themselves against the country’s top amateurs.

"We rely heavily on donations and our fundraising events raise money locally to support local people."

Anyone interested in riding needs to deposit £200 to secure a place. They will also need to register on the hospice's website primrosehospice.org/ ridelondon-surrey_1001.

Potential riders need to register before the closing date, Monday, May 5.