THIS year's Severn Valley Cycle Challenge, in aid of Acorn's Children's Hospice, is now open for entries.

Now in its sixth year, the ride sees cyclists travel through Severn Valley, and more than 30 competitors have signed up already.

There are three different courses, for varying abilities, but all of them end in Bewdley, followed by a trip back to the individual starting points by steam locomotive.

Ian Carr, Acorns Children's Hospice’s events manager, said: "Even if you are new to cycling this is the perfect event for you. Cyclists will be taking in some spectacular views and will be able to take it easy on the return journey to Bewdley on the Severn Valley Railway steam train.

“Acorns Children's Hospice doesn’t charge families for making use of its services, regardless of the ever increasing costs involved. We rely heavily on public fundraising and voluntary donations and hope to sign up 200 cyclists to help us raise the money we need to operate.”

The event is scheduled for Sunday, August 17.

For more information, or to register, visit acorns.org.uk/severn-valley-cycle-challenge