ESSEX Air Ambulance will be holding its third Colne Valley Cycle Ride on Sunday May 22 to help raise all important funds for the county’s life-saving helicopter.

There are three routes to choose from; 20 miles, 40 miles and, new for 2011, a shorter fun family cycle ride.

The circular route starts at 9.30am from the Essex Air Ambulance fundraising office in Earls Colne.

A new mountain bike worth �250 is also up for grabs. Visit heart.co.uk/essex to enter!

The helicopter will be operational from the event, giving people the unique opportunity to see the air ambulance up close and personal and meet the crew.

Events manager of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, Wendy Byland, said: “We are all really excited about the third Colne Valley Cycle Ride as we had such a brilliant day last year.

“For the last two years we have been fortunate to have glorious sunny weather and we hope we will be lucky again this year and that even more cyclists will get involved in what is a fantastic way to support the life-saving helicopter!

“So, get on your bike and come down to Earls Colne Business Park on Sunday May 22 and join us for a ride around the stunning Essex countryside for your Air Ambulance.”

If you wish to take part, the registration fee is �16 per cyclist or per family for the fun family cycle ride (two adults and up to three children) in advance or �20 on the day. Adult participants will receive a tee-shirt and goody bag and children will receive Essex Air Ambulance baseball caps.

Visit EssexAirAmbulance.uk.com to pre-register online or contact the fundraising team on 0845 2417 690.