ENTRIES are now open for a major charity cycling event taking place through Test Valley.

The fifth annual Sams Ride will be held on Sunday, June 9, organised by the Salisbury and District Samaritans.

Entry is from £25 and cyclists are urged to register early as places are expected to be fully subscribed.

Since 2015, over 2,500 people have taken part in Sams Ride, raising nearly £100,000 for their local Samaritans branch.

The routes through the countryside passes through Kimpton, Appleshaw, Upper Chute and Hurstbourne Priors, to name some of the villages.

The event offers fully signed and marshalled circuits of 25, 50 or 100 miles.

At the finish, all riders get a medal and a hot lunch — and there’s a cash bar.

There will be also be a raffle where the first prize is £1,000 in cash.

The event is run by volunteers, and all the profits go to the Samaritans. It is recognised as one of the premier charity cycling events in the south west, endorsed by British Cycling.

Firms supporting Sams Ride include Cycle Central of Ludgershall, Wilsons Solicitors and The Essential Ingredients Company.

For further information about the routes, how to support the event and for entry forms, go to samsride.co.uk, or email info@samsride.co.uk.