AN annual bike ride is returning for its ninth year to raise money for charity.

The Helen Rollason Cancer Charity’s annual Ride for Helen Essex is back for 2022, with registration now open.

Cyclists will meet at Crix in Hatfield Peverel to take part in the fun and family-friendly ride around the county.

All ages and abilities are welcome to take part as individuals or a team, with different distances and difficulty levels available.

There is also a fundraising pack, route maps, signage, first aid support and medals for finishers.

This year there are five scenic routes through the Essex countryside, with distances of six, 15, 30, 50 and 65 miles, all starting and finishing at Hatfield Peverel.

The shortest six-mile route is for beginners or families with children, cycling on country lanes and roads around the village.

The middle of the range 30-mile ride is for the regular cyclist looking for a challenge, cycling on roads passing through Rank’s Green, White Notley, Silver End, Kelvedon and Great Braxted.

At the higher end for experienced adult cyclists looking for a challenging ride, there is the 65-mile route passing through Great Leighs, Felsted, Thaxted, Steeple Bumpstead, Finchingfield, Stisted, Black Notley and Fairstead.

Helen Rollason Cancer Charity spokesman and community fundraiser Karen Mitchell said: “We are pleased to announce that registration for our Ride for Helen Essex event taking place on Sunday, May 15, is now open.

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“We are so excited for Ride for Helen Essex 2022, and plans are already well underway.

“We want 2022 to be the most successful year to date so please sign up today, individually or as a team.

“It costs around £850,000 annually to keep our charity operational, therefore we really need to make this event a success and raise as much money as possible to keep supporting those with cancer.”

For non-cyclists wanting to volunteer on the day, call the charity on 01245 380719 for more information or email fundraising@helenrollason.org.uk.

To register for the event, visit rideforhelen.co.uk.