THOUSANDS of pounds are expected to pour in for medical research following a sodden charity bike ride.

More than 130 took part in the sixth annual bikeathon in aid of South Dorset Leukaemia Research fund, which started at Crossways Village Hall yesterday.

Despite the rain, entrants from all over Dorset and beyond got on their bikes for the nine-mile, 20-mile or 30-mile routes through the countryside.

One of the event's organisers, Dave Parker, 37, said: "We are very proud of the efforts of everyone who took part. There were a lot of people who haven't done a lot of cycling before and they put a lot of effort in to complete the course.

"We are hoping to raise a total of £5,000 when all the sponsorship has been collected.

"All the money goes back to the central fund for Leukaemia research."

One couple tackled the ride on a tandem and some of the youngest children involved were strapped into seats on the back of their parent's bikes. The oldest participant was 85-year-old World War II veteran Harold Pedrick from Devon who tackled the 20-mile route.

Mr Parker added: "A big thank- you to everybody who took part, including all the marshals who helped on the day and the people who made the sandwiches for the cyclists."