GLORIOUS sunshine shone on about 200 pub landlords, regulars and staff who took part in a charity bike ride yesterday.

Several riders wore fancy dress for the North Riding Dales Licensed Victuallers Association (LVA) event in Wensleydale.

The cyclists set off from Hawes at 10.30am and travelled to Bainbridge, Askrigg, across the river to Worton, West Witton, Wensley and finishing at Leyburn.

Tradition dictates that riders stop at every pub along the route. Cyclist Kim Gall, 18, from Redmire, said she would stick to halves.

"It's a great day out and a wonderful way of raising money for local causes," she said.

Money raised from the event will be distributed among local causes, including the Friarage Hospital, Bainbridge Ambulance Station, as well as schools, old people's homes and doctors' surgeries. Organisers are hoping to beat last year's total of £15,000.

After the event, LVA secretary Avril Douglas declared the ride a success.

"We've the best weather I can remember," she said.

"Everybody has taken it very gently and had a really wonderful day and I want to thank motorists for their patience and understanding."

Organisers reported one accident. A woman in her 30s was taken to the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, by ambulance, after coming off her bike and gashing her leg on the road between Worton and Aysgarth.

The event is sponsored by the Black Sheep Brewery, in Masham.