HUNDREDS of cyclists from across the country descended on Thirsk to take part in a sportive with a distinctly Yorkshire flavour.

The Yorkshire Lass Cycling Club’s charity sportive is one of the few ladies-only events in the region and more than 500 women took part on Saturday.

The event was supported by All Terrain Cycles of Wetherby and Carlton Lodge Activity Centre in Thirsk and it introduced three brand new routes - the 30m ‘Ow do’; the 60m ‘Enjoy thissen’ and the 100m ‘Flippin eck’.

The routes started from Carlton Lodge and marked the third year of the sportive in Thirsk.

Last year it raised a record-beating £28,000 for women’s cancer charities, Carlton Lodge Bursary and Yorkshire air ambulance and this year’s sportive has already raised over £18,000 with money still coming in.

The event was organised by Yorkshire Lass CC founders Kate Horsfall of Wetherby and Judith Worrall of Thirsk, plus over 100 volunteers who helped on the day.

Ms Worrall said: “It’s always a great occasion and we’re really proud to see women cycling enthusiasts of all abilities coming together to encourage one another and enjoy being out on two wheels in some of the finest cycling country in the UK, while also raising funds for some vital charities.”

The funds will be donated to Women v Cancer which comprises of several cancer charities.

Tony Booth, managing director of event supporters All Terrain Cycles, said: “It’s great to see both the club and the sportive go from strength to strength.

“We’re always happy to do what we can to support it, providing a mechanic and a spare bike for the day as well adding to the goodie bag and, of course, providing the all-important finished line.”