A CHARITY bike ride organised by a young cyclist from Cirencester raised more than £500 for Cancer Research UK.

Harry Homan-Green, 26, a Cirencester local who attended Cirencester College and now lives in Bristol, held his bike ride for the eighth year on Saturday, August 12 from 1pm.

It started and ended at the Old George Inn in South Cerney, passing by The White Hart in Ashton Keynes and The Crown Inn in Cerney Wick.

The bike ride began in 2009 as a fun event for a group of friends who dressed in costumes as they cycled around the Cotswolds. Last year, Harry held the bike ride for charity for the first time.

There were 40 participants this year and tickets were sold for £10 each. Donations were also collected on the day.

Harry said: “I'm incredibly proud that we've once again been able to raise over £500 for Cancer Research UK, some fantastic costumes were put together for the event and that definitely played a factor in getting the attention of the general public and urged them to donate so generously.”

Harry has raised £535 so far and is hoping to beat last year’s amount of £570 as he collects the final few donations.

The 22-year-old will also be undertaking a solo challenge in September where he will be cycling from Norway to Spain to raise money for a charity his mother runs, Cotswold Breast Cancer Now.

He is planning to incorporate some fancy dress in each country he cycles through. For more information on his solo challenge, go to: www.onyourbikefancydress.com/norway-2-spain