Hundreds of riders saddled up and took to the back roads of south Norfolk yesterday as part of the Hethersett 30/60 cycle ride.

With the sun beating down on them, cyclists of all ages and abilities set off from Hethersett High School and weaved their way through the villages of Old Buckenham, Wreningham and East Carleton.

A total of 320 people completed the 60-mile route while 180 cycled 30 miles.

The race limit reached full capacity a number of weeks before the start.

Organiser Bart Anderton said: 'Everybody seems to enjoy it and it has been oversubscribed for two years now.

'Last year we had 300 entrants and this year we had 500.

'Next year we are looking to increase it by even more.'

The ride, which is in its second year, helped to raise hundreds of pounds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Mr Anderton, who lives in Ketteringham with his wife, Rachael, and children Thomas, 11, and Lauren, nine, said: 'They are a fantastic charity; they do some great work.

'I am holding these events to raise money for good causes and to get more people out there to start cycling.

'People have also been raising money for their chosen charities.

The event was due to take place on March 24 but was rescheduled due to the bad weather.

Mr Anderton, who cycles more than 100 miles a week, started organising the races as a way to make money for charity in the run up to his challenge to cycle from London to Paris in 24 hours on a folding Brompton bicycle.

Riders cover a 30-mile loop from Hethersett through Wymondham, Spooner Row and Old Buckenham before making their way back through Bunwell, Fundenhall and Bracon Ash.

Those taking part in the 60-mile ride cover two laps.

'The route was my old training route when I was training for the London to Paris ride,' Mr Anderton added. 'It's a route which I really like.

'I started cycling long distances about three or four years ago.

'I do it for the challenge, I love it.'

Mr Anderton, who works as a credit manager, has organised the Southwold 30/60 in aid of Scope, which will take place on June 9, and the King's Lynn 30/60, which will be held later in the year.

To take part in the Southwold 30/60 log on to www.southworld3060.com

Are you organising an event to raise money for charity? Contact Norwich Evening News reporter Lucy Wright on 01603 772439 or email lucy.wright@archant.co.uk