Cycling enthusiasts are being urged to sign up to a charity bike ride to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).

The charity is calling on cyclists to join them on the 54 mile London to Brighton bike ride to help raise money for research into meningitis and septicaemia.

The annual event takes place on September 16 and has more than 2,000 participants. Riders set off from south London and travel through Mitcham, Carshalton, Chipstead, Banstead and Haywards Heath, before finishing on Brighton Beach.

Chris Head, Chief Executive of MRF said: "We want to encourage as many people as possible to support us and join MRF's team of riders.

"All money raised will enable us to fund research into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia, provide life-saving awareness information and support people who have lost a loved one or are struggling to cope with after effects."

Cyclists are asked to pay a £30 registration fee and raise a minimum of £100 sponsorship.

To sign up to take part in the London to Brighton visit meningitis.org/helping-us/fundraising-events/london2brighton or contact Nikki May on 01454 280415