ALMOST 200 people turned out for a charity cycle ride in the North Yorkshire countryside.

This year's Stokesley Charity Cycle Ride was in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance.

The total raised for the life-saving charity is yet to be totted up but a total of 194 riders completed the 30-mile route.

The event made a return this year after a break during the pandemic.

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Organiser Paul Mackintosh, from Darlington, who set the event up in 1998, said: "It all went very well.

"I'm happy with the number of people we got. A lot of people said they hadn't been doing anything and had been vegitating at home in the pandemic so it was a bit of a boost to see so many people out.

"Everyone got back safely and the weather was just right for cycling - though it was a bit nippy for the marshals."

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The Northern Echo: Mr Mackintosh thanked the marshals and back-up team, as well as Gary Dunn, from Stokesley Scouts, Mike Canavan, Mike Newton and Lucy and Tom from Tomahalk Steakhouse, which allowed those taking part to use the facilities and donated a raffle prize. 

The event, which has been going for more than two decades. was initially formed to raise money for poorly Guisborough toddler Chloe Brown who at the time was battling a rare form of cancer.

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.

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Over the years it has raised in the region of £150,000

The 30-mile ride started at Stokesley Town Hall, and took in a circular route through picturesque countryside and villages including Hutton Rudby, Great Broughton and Ingleby Greenhow.

The event is again sponsored by RPS (Returnable Packaging Services) of Eaglescliffe.

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