The Big Bike Ride returns this year to Betteshanger Country Park, Deal, and Hoo Peninsula, Medway, to give cyclists a chance to raise money for their chosen charities.

Riders can join the challenge, which is organised by the KM Charity Team and gives the choice of a 50k or 100k route, in either East Kent on Sunday, 24 April or in West Kent later this year in the autumn.

The routes take riders on a picturesque journey through nearby Kent towns and villages. Those who want to take things at a leisurely pace can ride for fun, while cyclists taking the challenge more seriously can choose to raise money for charity through sponsorship.

Charities will receive 70% of the funds raised by their supporters, and the remainder will go to the KM Charity Team to cover costs for the event and to fund its child literacy, road safety and environmental work within Kent and Medway schools.

The East Kent ride, which starts and ends at Betteshanger Country Park, is a varied route with occasional hills covering the beautiful Kent countryside and, for those taking on the 100k challenge, extends out to the coast.

The West Kent ride is another rural route which winds through nearby villages and the Hoo Peninsula.

The Big Bike Ride is not open to anyone under the age of 12.

Riders aged to 12-17 will need parental consent to take part, and must be accompanied on the route by a responsible adult.

You can find out more details, including how to sign up for the first ride, here.