Charity champions painted Thanet red for the third annual Viking Coastal Trail ride.

Around 550 riders wearing distinctive red t-shirts pedalled their way to an estimated £15,000 for the British Heart Foundation

Riders aged between nine and 70-years-old rode the whole or part of the 32-mile trail, although the early morning start on Sunday was hampered by thick mist which eventually burnt off.

Thanet council chairman Cllr John Kirby and his wife, Cllr Jill Kirby, together with Ramsgate mayor Cllr Kay Dark performed the offical start duties at the Viking Ship at Pegwell Bay.

Margate's mayor and mayoress, Cllr Brian and Karen Sullivan, greeted riders at Joss Bay.

kmfm breakfast show presenter Johnny Lewis gave the opening welcome at Pegwell before he saddled up with the riders and headed off on the third annual event.

BHF regional organiser Tacye Blest said:" A big thank you goes out to all the riders, everyone who has supported us with sponsorship and generous donations, Cllr Mick and Shirley Tomlinson, the district council, Thanet Extra and kmfm, Thanet Sports Network and the East Kent Primary Care Trust.

"It was a lovely family event with a real sense f community spirit. It was our biggest and best yet and we are already looking forward to our fourth annual ride next year.

"The British Heart Foundation is the nation’s heart charity and is totally committed to beating heart disease. Heart Disease is the UK’s biggest killer and the disease touches us all. Over 600 people a day (fathers, mothers, daughters, sons and friends) lose their lives to the disease, because of this the BHF spends over £100 of every minute of every day on lifesaving heart research, caring for heart patients and their families, and providing vital information to help people look after their own hearts."

To return sponsorship forms or to find out more about BHF, contact the events team on 01892 893917 or email sthamesevents@bhf.org.uk