HUNDREDS of cyclists raised thousands of pounds for leukaemia research, using their pedal power.

The annual bikeathon, run by the Southend branch of Leukaemia Research, started at Waitrose, in Fossetts Way, Southend.

The riders, many in fancy dress, cycled along Eastern Avenue and Thorpe Hall Avenue to Southend seafront, then through Shoebury to Great Wakering before heading back to Waitrose.