A firm of solicitors in Halstead is encouraging residents to take to two wheels to help raise money for charity.

The Holmes & Hills Solicitors annual bike ride will return again in September to help support two good causes.

This year the event will be run to raise money for AGE UK Essex and the Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens Trust.

The organisers have planned three new routes from the longer 53 miles to the shortest 11 miles, meaning there is a route for everyone from experienced riders through to families.

All the routes start and finish at Holmes & Hills’ office in Trinity Street, Halstead, and take riders through some of the county’s countryside.

Anyone taking on the 26 mile or 53 mile route will be able to stop for complimentary snacks and drinks in the Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens.

All riders will then be treated to a barbecue once they have completed the ride.

Event organiser Katie Chan said: “We are incredibly pleased to be organising and hosting our annual charity bike ride, which as well as being incredibly popular among the local cycling community also helps to raise money for two worthy charities – both of which have been chosen by Holmes & Hills employees.”

The bike ride, which has taken place annually since 2005, and last year’s bike ride saw more than 300 riders take to the streets.

Together they managed to raise more than £6,000 for The British Heart Foundation and Abbeyfield in Braintree through entrance fees and sponsorship.

This year's event will be take place on Sunday, September 9.

Registration for the ride is now open.

Entry in advance is £16 for adults, £6 for under 16s with a family ticket, for two adults and all children, £32.

On the day this rises to £20 for adults, £9 for under 16s and £40 for families.

Corporate teams can also enter in advance, with four riders costing £50.

To sign up visit https://www.holmes-hills.co.uk/events/holmes-hills-charity-bike-ride-2018/.