A RECORD breaking 440 cyclists took part in the Colne Valley Cycle Ride in aid of Essex Air Ambulance.

The number of cyclists was up by more than 150 and the funds raised are so far more than £11400.

This year’s fund will continue to increase as cyclists gather their sponsorship in the coming weeks.

Under sunny skies, cyclists aged from just three years old to more than 70 began their journey at the Earls Colne Business Park in Earls Colne, near Colchester on Sunday.

Cyclists of all ages chose between a 50 mile route, a 20 mile route and a family-friendly three mile cycle.

Essex Air Ambulance’s newly appointed pre-hospital Care Doctor Flora Bird led the first wave of riders on the 50 mile route, finishing in just under three hours.

She was joined by sponsor Roy Marfleet, Chairman of MDS Civil Engineering.

Doctor Flora said: "The ride was such good fun, with everyone having lots of laughs and keeping each other motivated. It was a great way to start my time with the Essex Air Ambulance and I am really proud of what everyone achieved on the day."

Cyclists on the day said the event was a social event as well as a fundraiser.

Tim Swallow, of Halstead, said: "It’s a social event and being on local roads, it’s an event that is home from home."

Mum Michelle Coburn, of Great Yeldham, brought her whole family along.

She said: "Cycling is a sport we can all enjoy together as a family - we did an 11 mile ride last year and so we tackled the 20 mile ride for Essex Air Ambulance."

Jen Wall, events manager at Essex Air Ambulance added: “The fact we have broken the record on participants and funds raised shows how much the people of Essex value their local Air Ambulance.

"It costs in the region of £500,000 to keep to keep both helicopters flying and saving lives and so we are grateful for that support.

"I would like to say a big thank you to our sponsors, MDS Civil Engineering in Braintree for their sponsorship, all the cyclists who took part, plus all our volunteers and marshals."