HUNDREDS of cyclists descended on Thirsk to take part in a sportive that is set to raise thousands for charity.

The second annual event, organised by the Yorkshire Lass Cycling Club, saw 550 women cyclists take part in three different cycle routes ranging in difficulty.

These were a 30-mile ‘Cuppa tea an a piece a cake’ ride; a 60-mile ‘Reet Gud Ride’; and a 103-mile ‘By Eck Tha War Ard Ride’ which all took place on Sunday.

All the routes started from the Carlton Lodge Activity Centre in Thirsk.

Organiser and club member Judith Worrall described the event as “absolutely fabulous” and it is anticipated that it will have raised even more than last year’s sportive which made £14,500 for various charities.

Ms Worrall, of Thirsk, said: “It went beyond our expectations and it was absolutely brilliant.

“The feedback on the day and through social media has been really, really good.”

Ms Worrall wished to thank everybody who helped organise the event and said the club was grateful for the support of various sponsors.

Money raised through the sportive will be shared between several women’s cancer charities and will also raise funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Carlton Lodge Activity Centre.