SOME were in buggies attached to the back of parents' bikes while others proved that old age can still push enough pedal power to get to the heart of the matter.

Just under 1,200 cyclists of all ages took part in the annual Dorset Heart Cycle Ride at the weekend, to raise cash for the British Heart Foundation.

Cyclists could choose either a 25 or 50-mile circular route pushing off from the Queen Elizabeth School in Wimborne, which took in some of the county's most beautiful countryside such as Badbury Rings and Cranborne.

"By the time we get the sponsorship back we hope to reach somewhere in the region of £30,000," said Dorset and South Somerset area organiser for the charity, Pamela Fry.

Whilst some of the money raised will go to national research into heart disease, a high proportion comes back to the local community in the form of equipment such as defibrillators donated to leisure centres or GP surgeries.

"Over the last year more than £90,000 of equipment has been given to Dorset," said Pamela.

To highlight the important of training, a demonstration of life saving skills was held at QE following the sponsored cycle. "A big thank you to all the cyclists who took part," said Pamela.

Next year's ride is planned for May 11.