THOUSANDS of bikers raised hundreds with an annual riding event.

The London to Southend Bike Ride saw hundreds of people travel 52 or 65 miles on Sunday in the heat.

The group left Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, and cycled to Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend.

There were two courses on the day including a second with an optional extension via Shoebury.

The event was held in connection with the British Heart Foundation with many riders also raising cash for their chosen charity.

Money from the event is still being counted up but is expected to be thousands of pounds.

Teams included Havens Hospice and Southend Amateur Boxing Club.

Gary Daley, 34, and Steve Condon, 54, two of the coaches and former boxers of Southend Boxing Club raises more than £500.

A Havens Hospices spokesman said, “We’re not sure how much they’ve raised so far but every penny of their sponsorship will help us continue caring for all those who rely on Little Havens, Fair Havens and The J’s.”