THOUSANDS of cyclists across the country will aim to turn pedal power into cash at the national Leukaemia Research bikeathon on Sunday, September 9.

In Southend, a launch day was held at the Waitrose store at Fossetts Way, to collect for the charity and promote the town's bikeathon.

Members of the charity's Southend branch manned the stand all day. Many entry forms were taken by shoppers, who also donated money to the charity.

More than 800 riders are expected to take part in the event, which starts and finishes at Thorpe Hall School.

The Southend Bikeathon is sponsored by KeyMed and supported by Waitrose. Bikeathon organiser Terry Joyce said: "The bikeathon is a perfect opportunity to get out, get fit and join the fight against blood cancers which affect thousands of people in the UK each year."

After Southend mayor Daphne White starts the bikeathon, cyclists will be lead off by a replica Formula 1 car. The 13-mile route includes Barling, Little Wakering, Great Wakering, Shoebury and Southend seafront.

You can enter online at www.LRF.org.uk/southendbike or phone 01702 544964 for an entry form.

People are also needed to marshal at the event. Call Terry Joyce 01268 785674 for information.