CYCLISTS are being urged to sign up for a 63-mile ride in support of Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

More than 400 riders took part in 2014 and the hospice is hoping that this year 500 riders will take on the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride on Sunday, July 12.

The bike ride is one of the hospice’s biggest annual fundraising events and since it began in 1996 participants have raised more than £700,000.

Fundraising and lottery manager Maxine Armstrong said: “The bike ride is one of my favourite events and our riders always tell us afterwards how much they’ve enjoyed it.

“There’s a fantastic atmosphere from beginning to end and we make sure our riders are really looked after along the way.”

Riders are asked for a £20 registration fee which covers the cost of the refreshments, back-up support, a t-shirt and a medal and optional transport to Manchester from Wigan and back to Wigan from Blackpool.

All those taking part are asked to raise a minimum of £100 sponsorship.

Sign-up online at wlh.org.uk/events/ or call the fundraising team on 01942 525566 or email fundraising@wlh.org.uk.