Cyclists have spoken about their amazing experience on a race for charity which is set for this Sunday.

Ride for Helen is back for its sixth year and will be raising money for the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

Cyclists will meet at the Crix in Hatfield Peverel and all ages and abilities are welcome to join in as individuals or as a team.

There are six routes of varying distances and the 30-mile and 90-mile routes end at Great Braxted.

Last year, Duncan Bradford, 40, from Danbury took part in the six-mile route with daughters Ella, 7, and Lily, 9.

Duncan said: “In 2017, I took part in the 65-mile route and had such a fantastic time I wanted to come back again this year with the girls.

“The six-mile route was a perfect distance and what with it being such a family-friendly event and supporting a local charity, we all had a brilliant time.”

Freddie Joslin, 12, from Heybridge, completed the 35-mile route, being one of the youngest to take part in the distance.

He said: “I felt really tired once I’d completed the route but also a huge sense of achievement – I think I’m going to flop out on the sofa for the rest of the day.

“It’s great to support the charity while also doing something fun at the same time.”

Last year, more than 900 cyclists took part and raised more than £30,000 for the charity.

Charity boss Kate Alden said: “We are all really looking forward to this year’s Ride for Helen as it’s always such an exciting and popular event which attracts a variety of participants.

“We have worked really hard to map out the best and safest routes through the beautiful Essex countryside and included new routes this year to ensure that all of our riders have a fantastic experience.”

The charity hopes to raise more as this is its 20th anniversary.

Registration for the race is open until May 15.

To take part or for more details, call 01245 380719 or email fundraising@helenrollason.org.uk.