Le Tour de Sandwich is now an important date in the east Kent cycling calendar.

It started as part of Sandwich’s French event Le Weekend, which this year will be held on June 6-7.

It is now a fully-fledged cycling sportif recognised by British Cycling with more than 300 people taking part last year.

Its success also means that it is raising significant amounts for good causes in the area. Last year £1,500 was donated to the Phoenix Youth Project.

It is run by Le Weekend manager Steve Laslett with help from Andy Croucher from Locks Cycles of Sandwich.

Mr Laslett said: “The input from Andy Croucher at Locks is invaluable. He really makes the event happen it a way that both serious and occasional cyclists relate to. Le Tour offer cyclists a choice of 35, 50 or 100k with the longer ride being the most popular.

“This year Andy has enlisted the support of the Sandwich Sports and Leisure Centre Trustees who will help manage the event.

“We are delighted that in return we will be able to make a financial contribution to their development fund for improved facilities for community sport.”

It all started as a fun part of Le Weekend with Le Tour for serious cyclists on Sunday and Le Petit Tour for mums, dads and kids on the Saturday.

Cyclists pay a fee for the main ride which helps to offset the high cost of staging free outdoor concerts on both days of the festival.

To register in advance is £15 via the website, or £20 on the day, Sunday, June 7.

The start and end will be in Sandwich town centre, bringing a huge splash of colour to Le Weekend.

Le Weekend programme and a link to British Cycling can be found at www.sandwichevents.org.uk.