CASTLE Street will again be closed to motorists from 5am to 8pm on Sunday, July 8, and the town taken over by a throng of cyclists of all ages and abilities - from fun riders to fast - as the Farnham Charity Bike Ride makes its return.

Organisers, St Andrew’s Infant School’s PTA and Farnham Round Table, hope this year’s event will be “bigger and better” than ever before - a tough ask as the 2017 ride raised more than £19,000 for local charities, with 1,500-plus riders taking on the four courses (16, 25, 50 and 75 miles) through the stunning Surrey and Hampshire countryside.

This year’s event will see the return of Hogs Back Brewery with free beer for all riders at the finish, as well as Prosecco from loyal sponsor property maintenance company MPM and free medals, parking and goodie bags for all competitors. And of course, under-16s ride free!

Event organiser Matt Chisnall said: “Last year’s event was the best so far. There was a real buzz about the town, the weather was incredible and everything went perfectly.

“However, the very best bit was being able to send some nice big cheques to St Andrew’s Infant School, Hale Scouts, Woodlarks Campsite, Garners Field Regeneration and Broadlands Horse Riding for the Disabled on behalf of the Round Table.

“More than 1,500 riders joined us last year, let’s try and beat that.”

Entrants can register now at www.farnhambikeride.org.uk for a discounted entry fee. Riders can also sign up on the morning on Castle Street, with registration desks opening at 7am.

The 75-mile riders will start at 8am, 50-milers at 8.30am, 25-milers at 9am and finally the 16-milers at 9.30am.

Cyclists of all ages and abilities can participate in the event. The routes will be well marshalled by volunteers and five refreshment stops well stocked with supplies.

The 16 and 25-mile routes are very family friendly. The two longer routes are for serious riders, the 75-mile leg including Butser Hill, the highest point on the South Downs.

The 3rd Farnham Scouts will also be selling tea, coffee and cake and both the Oak Park Clinic and Farnham Chiropractic Clinic will have their therapists on hand to help with any post ride aches.

This year will also see the return of the closed road town centre races, sponsored by Charter Peugeot, as part of the Farnham Festival of Cycling.