HUNDREDS of cyclists pedalled around the North Yorkshire countryside yesterday as an event which has raised about £500,000 for charity over the years marked a milestone.

The Great Selby Bike Ride, organised by Selby Lions, celebrated its 25th year as a fixture in the local fundraising calendar, with about 860 participants choosing either a 25-mile or 45-mile ride across all corners of the Selby district.

This year’s proceeds will be split between St Leonard’s Hospice in York, Martin House Children’s Hospice at Boston Spa, the British Heart Foundation and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, although riders could also raise sponsorship for other charities.

The Lions, an organisation devoted to supporting local people and groups, also retains some of the money collected to split between good causes in the Selby area.

David Jones, who is this year’s president, said: “I’ve been involved since it started and it’s superb to see so many people taking part every year.

“Over the last 25 years, more than £250,000 has been raised through the bike ride for the charities the Lions have supported, but when you add the amount raised for other charities through the event, it’s closer to £500,000.

“Organising it is a lot of hard work, but once it starts, it’s just brilliant.

“Everybody from children aged five and six to people aged 85 and 86 join in. Families stop for picnics along the route, and it’s something everybody always looks forward to.

“This year’s event was excellent and our thanks go to everybody who took part and those who sponsored them, as well as all our volunteer race marshals who give up their time. Without all these people, we wouldn’t have a bike ride.”

The ride started and finished at Barlby High School and took in the centre of Selby – with the toll bridge being specially opened to allow cyclists through – Thorpe Willoughby, Biggin, Church Fenton, Ryther and Cawood.

The longer route included Stillingfleet, Naburn, Crockey Hill, Wheldrake, Thorganby, Skipwith and Osgodby.

The amount raised from this year’s ride will be confirmed later this year.