AN ambitious cyclist plans to use vintage wheels to complete 24-miles on her grandmother's 100-year-old bike.

Retiree Gabrielle Winfield, from Colchester, has signed up to the St Helena Hospice Cycle Ride, which sees hundreds of cyclists meander through up to 100 miles of Dedham countryside.

As well as going the distance on her grandmother Ada's 1916 bicycle, Ms Winfield will wear a handmade replica of an outfit Ada wore around the time of her first ride.

The outfit will be complete with a custom-made vintage-style hat to fit around a helmet.

Ada, then 18, bought the bike for her job as a meter reader for the Gas Light and Coke Company, in Fulham, where she grew up.

At the time women were being recruited to replace the men who had left their jobs to fight in the First World War.

She said: "It has remained in the family with my mum using it regularly until she was in her forties. Since then the bike has been kept, but unused.

"Last year I had an ‘oily rag’ renovation where as much as possible of the original bike was kept with only a few essentials replaced. I also had a replacement period chain guard fitted. It does look its age. "

Ms Winfield first began riding the family heirloom in August 2015, but wanted it to have a revival for its centenary year.

For the hospice's fundraising event, she has trained mostly with an up-to-date model, complete with gears for steep hills.

She said: "I find the old bike wonderful to ride although I feel to be riding much higher off the road because the crank is set higher than a modern one.

"So far I have only ridden 12.5-mile trips on it so will have to work hard over the next few weeks to be ready for 24-miles.

"It’s great being out in the fresh air enjoying the countryside on a bike.

"Riding on an organised route and fundraising for a good cause is a good excuse to make time to get out and ride bikes more, so I’d recommend to anyone thinking about doing this event to join in. It should be great fun too.”

St Helena's Cycle Ride takes place on Sunday, October 2 with four routes to choose from, starting and finishing at Monks Farm.

Cyclists can register for a discounted price before Friday, September 30, and also sign up on the day.

Visit sthelenahospice.org.uk/cycleride16.