Cycling enthusiasts saddled up in the scorching sun to take part in the first Big Bushey Bike Ride on Sunday.

With a choice of two routes, either 50km or 32km, participants set off from Moatfield Recreation Ground, in Bournehall Lane, at 10am.

Organised by Adele and Granville Taylor, with the help of British Cycling, the event attracted more than 100 riders.

The route took riders through the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire countryside, with the youngest participant just 12 and the oldest over 60-years-old.

The first rider completed the 52km route in about two hours and the 31km route was completed in about an hour and a half.

However Mrs Taylor, who took care to name the event as a ride, rather than a race, said many of the riders returning from the longer route did not get into Moatfield Recreation Ground until about 2pm, as lots of them stopped to enjoy the scenery along the way.

The race cost £10 to enter, with all money raised going to local charities.

Mrs Taylor, a retired school teacher, said the event would not have been possible without the assistance of Steve and Frances Francis, who were hugely helpful in the organisation of the event.

Mrs Taylor said she would like to repeat the Big Bushey Bike Ride next year, hopefully making it an annual event.