Organisers of the Tour de Norfolk 2017 cycling event hope to see thousands sign up after officially launching yesterday at the Norfolk Showground.

The event supports Norfolk's Big C cancer charity and last year's mass participation cycle ride attracted 1,300 cyclists raising nearly £20,000.

Now in its second year, organiser Luke Rumbelow is optimistic that sum can be beaten on Sunday, September 17.

At least £2 from every registration, double that of last year, will be donated to the charity.

He said: 'We had such a successful first year of Tour de Norfolk – the team are busy behind the scenes to ensure the second event is bigger and better.

'It is such a pleasure planning this event – people love it and the money raised goes to such a great charity.'

This year will see new developments to the tour, including a traffic-free family ride enclosed within the showground that is perfect for beginners and young families.

The tour spans the whole county, with the four on-road routes beginning and ending at the Norfolk Showground and passing through Mattishall at 20 miles, Worthing at 40, Fakenham at 70 and Blakeney for the 100 -mile cyclists. The 100-mile cyclists will start at 6.30am.

Mr Rumbelow said: 'There are so many pretty and scenic places we will take people – the majority of the route will be on quiet lanes and for the competing cyclists there a few hills.'

The event will be sponsored by Desira Group PLC which will also be providing support vehicles for the cyclists.

Music and catering will be available all day at the Norfolk Showground with food and drink stations posted along the route.

For those not cycling, various attractions, music and catering will be available all day at the showground – among them a large marquee hosting the Norfolk Cycle Show.

Cyclists can register online now at www.tourdenorfolk.co.uk. Ticket prices range between £12-£30 depending on distance.