MORE than 300 cyclists turned out for Stourbug’s first ever Ride for Diabetes UK.

The Stourbridge-based leisure cycling group took over the organising of the popular annual event for the first time and a record number of bike riders took part.

Just a few months ago there were fears the charity event had reached the end of the road but it turned out to be one of the most successful in its 17-year history and raised around £4,000 to help diabetes sufferers.

Held with support from Diabetes UK’s Stourbridge, Dudley and District Support Group - the event on Sunday July 15 included an array of different routes ranging from ten to 100-miles and taking cyclists of all abilities through the South Staffordshire countryside from Enville Hall to the Cat Inn at Enville.

A ten-mile family ride took in quiet lanes between Enville and Claverley, and longer routes went as far as Shifnal but stopping off at Beckbury Village Hall on the return leg.

There was also a tough 30-mile off road ride for super-experienced cyclists.

Stourbug chairman, Russell Eden, said: "The weather was very kind to us on Sunday and made it a special day for all involved.

“Over 300 people on bikes is always a great sight, but for it to be so local to home and in support of a deserving charity makes it even more so.”

Money raised from the event will go to Diabetes UK to help support the 2.8million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK each year - as well as funding research into the condition.

Tracy Lee, chairperson of the Diabetes UK’s Stourbridge, Dudley and District Support Group, said: “It was a fantastic event; one of the best yet. Stourbug did a good job of organising it and we were lucky we had a day without rain.”