Around 500 avid cyclists descended on Southwold to take part in the first year of a major cycling event.

Eastern Daily Press: The Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton PhotographyThe Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton Photography (Image: Julian Claxton)

The Southwold Cycle Sportive, which took place on Sunday, April 8, featured a variety of races for riders of all abilities and even featured a rare off-road section.

In tribute to the Paris-Roubaix, held on the same day, cyclists had the chance to travel down five optional 'Roubaix Challenge' shortcuts along rough and muddy paths.

Eastern Daily Press: The Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton PhotographyThe Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton Photography (Image: Julian Claxton)

Organiser Helen Rainbow said: 'It was brilliant - this is the first time we have done an event like this.

'The off-road sections went down really well, a lot of people were up for the challenge.'

Eastern Daily Press: The Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton PhotographyThe Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton Photography (Image: Julian Claxton)

She added: 'The camaraderie between cyclists was lovely, they were stopping and helping each other when they got stuck.

'It was a grand success.'

Eastern Daily Press: The Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton PhotographyThe Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton Photography (Image: Julian Claxton)

The ride, which is organised by Pedal Revolution and Adnams, helped raise vital funds for local charities and bike projects and will be returning again next year.

Eastern Daily Press: The Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton PhotographyThe Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton Photography (Image: Julian Claxton)

Eastern Daily Press: The Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton PhotographyThe Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton Photography (Image: Julian Claxton)

Eastern Daily Press: The Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton PhotographyThe Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton Photography (Image: Julian Claxton)

Eastern Daily Press: The Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton PhotographyThe Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton Photography (Image: Julian Claxton)

Eastern Daily Press: The Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton PhotographyThe Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton Photography (Image: Julian Claxton)