MORE than 1,000 people took part in Wirral's 19th charity Bikeathon at the weekend, raising £45,000 for research into blood cancer.

Those taking part in Sunday's event followed a 28-mile figure of eight with two sections combining public highways and off-road along the Wirral Way.

It was the second under the banner of Bloodwise - the new name for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

So far, the event has raised more than £900,000 for the fight to beat blood cancer.

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

Event organiser John Osman told the Globe: "Thanks once again to the 1,000 or so riders who turned out on Sunday to support Wirral Bikeathon.

"They weren't put off by the weather and between them they raised the fantastic sum of £45,000 for Bloodwise, our national charity funding blood cancer research and support for sufferers and their families.

"That's a great step forward to our target of £1 million raised since the Bikeathon started 19 years ago.

"We know how much people enjoy the Bikethon - just look at #wirralbikeathon on Twitter and you will see what fun they had - and all in a good cause too.

"Thanks as well to all those who support the organising committee with help on the day and in the weeks leading up to it".