COLCHESTER’S Castle Park was full of cyclists who were putting metal to the pedal to raise cash to fight cancer.

Bike Events hosted a charity cycle in aid of Orchid, a male cancer charity.

Keen cyclists had a choice of setting off from the award-winning Castle Park and embarking on a 25-mile, 50-mile or 75-mile route through the north Essex countryside.

The cyclists enjoyed a ride to Bures, through Sible Hedingham, with the furthest going all the way to Finchingfield.

Bike Events provided sponsor forms for the charity, which were sent to each rider.

Euan Scott-Batey, from Bike Events, said he was pleased with how the event went.

He said: “It’s safe to say there will be a significant five-figure sum raised.

“We had about 500 people on the ride and it was perfect cycling weather, it was bright and warm.

“Everybody seemed to really enjoy the route.

“It was a really good day.”

Orchid is a charity which has been set up to save men’s lives from testicular, prostate and penile cancers through pioneering research and promoting awareness.

For more information on the charity, go to orchid-cancer.org.uk