Cyclists are set to descend on Bolton this weekend as part of a major fundraising drive for cancer research and "Wheels for All."

This comes with the launch of the inaugural Big Lancs Charity Sportive on Sunday, April 2.

Starting at Smithills School, the event, organised by UK Sportives will see cyclists travel across distances of 30, 60 and 100 miles across three north west routes.

Co-organiser Emma Flynn said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response from people wanting to take part and businesses looking to support our efforts to give back to the community.  

“This first event will help us to scale up for future sporting challenges to raise much-needed funds for deserving local charities.”

She added: “There are over 30 different clubs and teams involved and it has attracted everyone from the weekend cyclist to people training for their next Ironman.  

“The terrain is undulating and scenic and not having the competitive pressure of a race means that it’s a relaxed challenge with support from our team along the way.”

“The idea is to get people active and give them the opportunity to explore new areas of Lancashire that they may not have been through before. 

“The longer routes take in areas of outstanding natural beauty, the Trough of Bowland for instance, so it’ll be a great adventure for everyone taking part.”

UK Sportives was created by Ms Flynn, Darren Clare and Marc Ramsden who work together at design agency Portfolio.

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Mr Clare came up with the idea as a way of combining his interest in sports with the chance to raise money for Bolton based causes, which he has already done for several years with organisations like Birtenshaw and Breaking Barriers.

Businesses and organisations including Epic Events, Let's Keep Bolton Moving, Westside Printers, Teknigrafiks, Ramsbottom Cycles, Ramsbottom Running Club and The Print Room have all supported the event with donations of time, products and services.

Ms Flynn said: “We’d like to give our thanks to the volunteers who will be helping around the course and want to reach out to charities that would be interested in our support in future especially if there is a link to cycling or running.”  

To find out more and get involved, go to UKSportives.com.