SEVERAL thousand cyclists from all over Wirral and beyond will be aiming to pedal to a new record this Summer . . .

The ninth Wirral Bikeathon, in aid of Leukaemia Research, takes place on Sunday, June 10 - and organisers are hoping to exceed last year's total amount, a staggering £56,000.

Cyclists are being urged to sign up and set their wheels in motion for the event, which starts and finishes at Arrowe Country Park, Upton, and turn their pedal power into cash to help fund vital research into leukaemia and blood cancers.

Bikeathon organiser Gillian Creek said: "The Bikeathon is a perfect opportunity to get out, get fit and join the fight against blood cancers which affect thousands of people in the UK each year.

"Last year's event was a really fun day out and a big success - and we're hoping for even better this year."

Money sponsored by family and friends of the cyclists is used to support the Leukaemia researchers at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and the local haematology ward at Arrowe Park Hospital.

Patron of the Wirral Bikeathon is Hoylake Olympic gold medal cyclist Chris Boardman.

Each cyclist receives a fundraising pack, complete with hints and tips on how to make the most of their fundraising, along with a free t-shirt and a commemorative medal.

Free refreshments will be available at checkpoints and the route will be well signed with more than 80 marshals stationed along it. Both Raynet and St John's Ambulance will be in attendance.

Further information, including application packs, can be obtained by clicking on to: www.wirralbikeathon.org.uk or by calling 632-0548 or 632-6619.