VIDEO and PICTURES: Hundreds join Wolverhampton cycling legend Hugh Porter for charity bike ride

Starting at Kingswinford Rugby Club, in Dudley, the Round the Wrekin Sportive saw around 580 participants don their lycra to cycle one of three routes in aid of Compton Hospice.

The ride began at 8.30am with routes of either 100 miles, 60 miles or 23 miles to be undertook - heading into the Shropshire Hills taking in Long Mynd, Stiperstones and The Wrekin.

Mr Porter, who took part in the 23 mile route through Bobbington, Claverley and Pattingham, said it had been a 'first class day'.

He explained: "It has been fantastic and the weather stayed bright for us despite a few clouds popping in.

"I only did the short route, but more than 100 of us took part in it and moved off in our little groups.

"I wasn't really worried about the time because my god-daughter and her sister came along and I rode with them and some friends and had a laugh.

"It has been a brilliant atmosphere."

Born in Wolverhampton, Mr Porter won the World Championship title four times and took a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games during his cycling career.

He is also honorary patron of Compton Hospice and Halesowen Athletic and Cycling Club.

He continued: "It means so much to be able to be part of something like this.

"We have raised a lot of money and it is just the start of raising even more.

"It has always been my aim to see a 1000 bike riders pedal for charity.

"So many lovely people have come up to me today and said that they want to come back and try a longer route next year and up their game.

"It has been incredibly rewarding to have so much praise for the hospice too.

"It has been a first class day."

More than 500 people eagerly signed up for the event earlier in the month.

The sportive raised essential funds for the Wolverhampton based charity which helps support patients facing life-limiting illnesses.

Additional support came from Fishface Cycles in Wombourne and Andy Dawson from RideVentures.

For more information about the event visit www.roundthewrekin.co.uk