CYCLISTS are gearing up for a charity ride taking in some of the region's most picturesque countryside.

The 30-mile event, to take place on Sunday, is in its seventh year and will raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Riders take a circular route from Stokesley, up Clay Bank, to Great Broughton, Carlton and Hutton Rudby.

Organisers hope to raise more than £10,000 to buy specialist electric wheelchairs for the charity.

Last year's event raised just under £11,000 for the neonatal unit at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

The ride will start at the Safeway Compact store, in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, at 10am.

The supermarket, as well as Safeway stores at Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, Guisborough and Whitehouse Farm, Stockton, have all pledged support.

First aid support will be provided by St John Ambulance and basic mechanical back-up will be available.

Anyone interested in taking part can enter on the day, at a cost of £6. Registration starts at 9.15am.