THE organisers of this year's Wirral bikeathon are urging Globe readers to go that extra mile in a bid to smash the £1m fundraising barrier.

The event, now in its 19th year, takes place on Sunday, June 11.

It starts in Arrowe Country Park, Upton at 9.30am. Those taking part can follow a 15 or 28-mile route, combining public highways and off-road along the scenic Wirral Way.

It is ideal for both advanced cyclists and beginners, participants can choose to ride either one or both sections.

On the day there will be live music from the Peninsula Jazzmen and the Ukulele band.

Around 1,400 people took part in last year’s event, raising more than £40,000 for research into blood cancer.

Entries are being taken online from Wednesday.

Wirral's Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist Chris Boardman is patron of the Bikeathon.

He said: "We are making a really big push for the Bikeathon in 2017, and next year, and aiming to get across the £1million mark for funds raised for Bloodwise, the leading blood cancer charity.

"It's a great family event so do come along and support us."

Race organiser John Osman told the Globe: “We are encouraging all riders to go the extra mile in getting sponsors as that is the best way to help us towards our £1million target for total collected over the years.

"We have now raised over £880,000 towards beating blood cancer and wish to crack the £1million barrier soon.

"The event will be very similar to last year and we will again have a "selfie station" in the start/finish area at Arrowe Park.

"This was very popular on social media last year due in particular to the help of Chris Boardman who we could describe as "the face that launched a 1000 riders".

To register from Wednesday, visit http://www.wirralbikeathon.com/