Cyclists across the county are invited to pedal for paramedics by taking part in a charity bike ride.

Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance, based in Marden near Maidstone, have teamed up with the KM Charity Team to promote the KM Big Bike Ride and elevate their fundraising.

Bridget Pepper, of Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance, said: “We are delighted to have joined forces with KM for this fantastic event. It provides people across the county with the perfect way to support the vital and life-saving service we supply.”

She added: “Every year we attend to over 2,000 patients across the South East of England, and we need to raise £6.5 million annually to manage this. Through people like yourselves taking part in these events is what makes our service possible.”

Booking is now open for the Vattenfall-supported ride which takes place on Sunday, April 24 at Betteshanger Country Park, near Deal.

Riders can choose a 100km or 50km route which will journey through some of the county’s finest countryside planned and signposted by Locks of Sandwich Cycles.

Entrants are welcome to undertake the action-packed challenge day for good causes by fundraising, or simply for fun.

Lisa Craig, events manager at the charity which organises the event, said: “We hope our newfound partnership with Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance will provide locals real incentive to take part in the ride. Last year we broke records for money raised, so the plan is to go even bigger and better in 2016.”

A booking fee of £30 is charged, however a £5 discount will be applied by entering code KMAIRAM16 when purchasing online at kmbigbikeride.co.uk