THE 21st Wirral Bikeathon in aid of Leukaemia research takes place next month.

The Globe-backed event takes place in Arrowe Country Park in Upton on Sunday June 16, starting at 9.30am.

Cyclists can follow a 14 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 elect to ride either one or both sections.

On the day there will be live musical entertainment.

More than 1,000 people took part in the event last year, raising an estimated £45,000 for the charity Bloodwise, funding research into blood cancer.

The ride takes in north Wirral through Caldy and the Wirral Way to West Kirby and Meols.

The second section goes from the park to Thornton Hough, Storeton and Landican.

Each participant gets a t-shirt and medal at the end of the ride.

Urging our readers to take part, a spokesman for the organisers told the Globe: "This is a fun-filled family event, a ride not a race, with all kinds of cycles taking part; we have seen reclining bikes, hand bikes, unicycles, a wheelchair and range of tandems and trailer bikes.

"More than ever this year we are relying on your support to help us reach our target of £1 million for the charity Bloodwise.

"Since we started the event in 1999 you have helped us raise the magnificent sum of £970,000.

"This is a fun-filled family event, a ride not a race, with all kinds of cycles taking part; we have seen reclining bikes, hand bikes, unicycles, a wheelchair and range of tandems and trailer bikes.

"Come along and join us."

Wirral-born Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist, BBC commentator and author Chris Boardman is patron of the Bikeathon.

He said: "I love supporting the Wirral Bikeathon which does fantastic work in raising funds for Bloodwise at the same time as providing the opportunity for a fun and healthy day of cycling for families, groups and individual riders."

All those taking part on the day are entered in a draw to win a Boardman Bike generously donated by Chris.

Entrance fee for adults is £15 (£25 on the day) and £5 for those aged 15 and under.

To sign up online go to www.wirralbikeathon.com