A BIKE ride that has been going strong for two more than decades and raised almost £150,000 for charity returns this weekend after the pandemic break.

The Stokesley 30-mile Charity Cycle Ride was founded by Darlington man Paul Mackintosh in 1998.

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It was initially formed to raise money for poorly Guisborough toodler Chloe Brown who at the time was battling a rare form of cancer.

The Northern Echo: Cyclists enjoying a previous Stokesley Charity RideCyclists enjoying a previous Stokesley Charity Ride

Chloe is now a healthy young woman and has continued to support the ride which has evolved over the years to raise funds for an array of local charities.

This year it is supporting the Great North Air Ambulance Service and organisers hope they can smash the £150,000 mark of overall funds raised.

The 30-mile ride starts at Stokesley Town Hall on Sunday May, 15, and takes in a circular route through picturesque countryside and villages including Hutton Rudby, Great Broughton and Ingleby Greenhow.

Registration starts at 9am and cyclists are invited to turn up on the day to take part or pre-register online here.

The entry fee is £10 per rider with proceeds going to the air ambulance.

The event is again sponsored by RPS (Returnable Packaging Services) of Eaglescliffe who have supported the cycle for many years to ensure the ride continues and raises money for the local charities.

The Northern Echo: Cyclists enjoying a previous Stokesley Charity RideCyclists enjoying a previous Stokesley Charity Ride

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