An energy firm will be swapping wind power for pedal power next month in support of the KM Big Bike Ride – which is still open for booking.

Wind farm operators Vattenfall are backing the charity challenge for the sixth year running – and communications officer Melanie Rogers will start the ride by waving the chequered flag.

“We are delighted to be supporting the KM Big Bike Ride,” she said.

“We have been in the area now for a decade [the company runs wind farms off the Herne Bay, Whitstable and Thanet coast], so it is really nice to give something back to the community.”

To allow as many people as possible to take part, there is a choice of two routes: “a 100K route for the hardcore cyclists, and a 50K route for the people that just want a nice day out,” Melanie explained.

Both routes take riders through the east Kent countryside around Dover, Deal and Sandwich, and in the case of the longer route, along the Thanet coast too.

Riders can take part just for sport or to support a charity of their choice. Any individual who raises £200 or more will have their name put into a draw to win two Eurostar tickets.

The ride takes place on Sunday, April 29, with both routes starting and finishing at Betteshanger Park, on the A258 north of Deal. Anyone aged 12 or over can take part although under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

The event is supported by Locks of Sandwich Cycles and Benenden Hospital Trust.

To book, visit kmbigbikeride.co.uk and use the discount code KMNEWS18.