MORE than 1,000 cyclists saddled up to take on a charity bike ride for Essex Air Ambulance.

The Foulness Island Bike Ride, organised by the Rotary Club of Thorpe Bay, saw riders of all ages take to the roads of Great Wakering and the normally restricted area of Foulness Island on Sunday.

Garry Lowen, event manager, said: “It went very well indeed. We had over 1,000 riders take part and over 100 volunteers out marshalling the event as well which was very good.

“After having months of lovely sunshine, we did have a few showers on the day but everyone continued and the whole thing went off smoothly.”

It is hoped more than £10,000 will have been raised from the event.