READY for its 25th anniversary the successful Liverpool Chester Liverpool (LCL) bike ride returns this July.

The non-competitive event for all the family has courses aimed at all age groups and cycling abilities and will take place on Sunday, July 1.

Each participant can choose their own route from a five mile family tunnel to the 100 mile Liverpool challenge.

After consultation with Merseytravel LCL's finish line will be at the end of the Birkenhead tunnel's dock branch exit which faces the Royal Liver Buildings and the waterfront.

Director of corporate development at Merseytravel Liz Chandler said: "We are pleased to be a part of the LCL bike ride again for its' 25th year, offering cyclists a unique opportunity to ride through Liverpool's iconic Mersey Tunnels.

“Passengers travelling in and around the Liverpool City Region should be aware that local transport services will be busier than normal as people make their way to and from the start and finish lines, so please plan ahead, check timetables before you travel and allow plenty of time for your journeys."

Riders will again be raising cash for Claire House Children's Hospice and over recent years cyclists have raised more than £220,000 to support the local children's hospice.

Claire House Children's Hospice events fundraising manager Mark Pearson said: "We are proud to return as the official charity of the LCL bike ride.

“Every year, cyclists pedal from between five to 100 miles for their local children’s hospice and the money that they raise makes such a massive difference to families.

"Over the last five years the number of children that we look after has risen by more than 60% so we need more cyclists than ever before to get on their bikes this summer.”

Event organisers Pennine Events are expecting that 2018 will be the biggest year yet with more than 3,000 people estimated to take part.

For more information, including how to book a place visit www.liverpoolchesterliverpool.com