Hundreds of cyclists of all ages and abilities have taken to their bikes for a popular annual fundraising ride.

Beccles Cycle for Life peddled into its 17th year on Sunday morning, with around 250 cyclists riding a variety of routes.

The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Beccles and the proceeds of the ride are split evenly between the East Anglian Air Ambulance and the club’s charitable trust.

John Swanbury, publicity officer at the rotary club, said: “It went very well, the numbers were a bit down with the rain, but those who came all enjoyed it.

“We had lovely comments from people about how well organised it was and how pleasant the course is in the Suffolk countryside.

“We had around about 250 on the road, which is down on other years, but it rained of course at about 8am and it was enough to put people off.

“It’s too early to add anything up but an educated guess would say we have raised somewhere between £5,000 and £6,000.

“We very much appreciate those who came out for a ride.”

Fortune favoured the brave on the day, with the rain soon passing as cyclists set off on their choice of an eight, 16, 25, 41 or 50-mile ride through the county’s winding roads.

Around 180 people had registered for the event and about thirty of these did not attend, with around 100 unregistered riders showing up on the day.

Notably, one man from Devon flew from Exeter to Norwich to complete the 41-mile route using a borrowed bike.

All sponsored riders who have contributed £25 worth of funds by June 14 will be entered into a prize draw, which will take place at Beccles Hospital on June 30.

The prizes include five John Lewis Partnership gift cards, one worth £250 and four worth £25, donated by Norfolk and Suffolk Financial Planners.

Lord Somerleyton is also offering the rider who raises the most sponsorship overall dinner plus bed and breakfast at the Fitton Arms in Fritton, and dinner at the Duke’s Head in Somerleyton for the runner-up.