THE date for the 2015 Ludlow Cycling Festival has already been announced only two weeks after the first edition raised more than £6,000 for Shropshire cancer patients and attracted more than 300 cyclists from as far as York and London.

Ludlow Cycling Festival, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, will take place on Sunday September 20 and once more Ludlow Rugby Club will be the venue.

Beginner riders on balance bikes and their families led by Travel Shropshire rode quiet lanes to Ludlow Food Centre for an ice cream treat.

Intermediate riders headed to Tenbury with local ride leaders on the Orchard Ride with a tea and cake stop at Burford House Garden Centre.

And more than 110 experienced riders headed out into the stunning South Shropshire hills on a 100km sportive to the Kerry Ridgeway and back via Wenlock Edge.

"It was one of the best organised events of its type that I have ever come across,” said veteran rider Tony Hewson, who won the Tour of Britain in 1955.

“It was particularly heart-warming to find so many young people and toddlers taking pleasure from the variety of cycling opportunities on offer."

The event was organised by Ashley Green, who has had cancer twice.

"I know how much of a difference this money will make to cancer patients. It was great to see so many people happy on bikes enjoying riding with others," he said.

Anyone who would like to contribute to next year's Ludlow Cycling Festival 2015 should contact Ashley Green on ashleygreen14@gmail.com.