CYCLISTS are invited to take part in a bike ride which is returning after an absence of three years.

The ride around Foulness Island was halted when the Ministry of Defence and defence technology company Qinetiq put in place health and safety restrictions.

But organisers, Thorpe Bay Rotary Club, have brought it back after renegotiating access to the island.

The ride will take place on Sunday, September 13, and entrants are needed to help raise money for Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation’s Bosom Pals Appeal for two new digital mammography machines and other digital equipment.

The new route will take riders over some unmade roads and through farmland, so racing bikes will not be suitable.

Part of the ride will be on public roads through Great Wakering to Foulness Island and the villages of Churchend and Courtsend in the north of the island.

Riders of all ages and abilities can reach Churchend, the island’s quiet main village.

Routes range from 11 to 23 miles.

The circuit beyond the village is suitable only for touring cycles or mountain bikes.

For an entry form, e-mail rotary.ride@virgin.net., or go to www.thorpebayrotary club.org.uk or call 01702 525514.

Entry is £10 and £5 for under-16s, who must be accompanied by an adult.

Marshalls are needed along the route. To volunteer, call David Ince on 01268 778918.