THERE is now little more than a week to go before the start of the 10th Wirral Leukaemia Research Bikeathon - and the organisers are making a last-minute call for cyclists to take part in this year's special milestone event.

Nearly 1,000 cyclists of all ages have so far signed up for the event, which takes place on Sunday week (June 8).

Organisers are hoping to mark the anniversary by attracting a record number of riders and taking the total amount of money raised in 10 years to the £500,000 mark.

To do that, organisers need this year's Bikeathon - the biggest annual cycling occasion of its kind on Wirral - to raise a record £85,000 in aid of Leukaemia Research.

The Bikeathon has set new records in each of the last nine years, including 12 months ago when the total reached the £59,000 mark.

"We hope that as many as 1,500 people will take part in this year's special event," said spokesman Ernie McCauley. "We urge cyclists of all ages and abilities to take part in what is primarily a fun-filled occasion."

The event will again start and end in Arrowe Country Park, Upton.

The 26-mile route follows a figure of eight course through the Wirral peninsula with two sections each of about 13 miles combining public highways and off-road along the scenic Wirral Way.

Cyclists can elect to ride one or both sections.

Each cyclist receives a fundraising pack and a free T-shirt and a commemorative medal awaits each finisher.

Free refreshments will be available at checkpoints and more than 80 marshals will be stationed along the route.

Both Raynet and St John's Ambulance will be in attendance and K-Cycles, of Eastham, The Bike Shop, Moreton, and Snow + Rock, Eastham, will be providing a running repair service along the route.

Application packs, can be obtained by going to www.wirralbikeathon.org.uk or by calling 632-0548 or 632-6619.