RIDERS are getting ready to saddle up for one of the biggest events in Tendring’s calendar.

The annual Tour de Tendring will leave from Dovercourt Bay Lifestyles, in the town’s Wick Lane, on Sunday.

More than 500 cyclists have signed up to take part, with each contestant asked to choose between the six, 20 and 60-mile courses.

Cyclists taking part will set off between 8.30am and 9.30am for the longer rides, while those heading off for the shorter distance will depart between 9.30am and 10.30am.

The long route visits Clacton, St Osyth and Great Bentley, while the middle distance takes in Great Oakley, with the shorter length mainly based in and around Harwich and Dovercourt.

All three routes will finish at Dovercourt Bay Lifestyles, where a variety of entertainment is planned for throughout the day.

Among those taking part are Ash Randell and TomConners, who will be showing off their freestyle football and basketball skills, Chase Lane Cheerleaders and Elite Twirlers Majorettes.

There will also be live music from Harwich Sing, Jared Harley and Harry Cash and Loose Change.

Walkabout entertainer Magical Marvo will also be on hand to keep youngsters occupied.

Free swimming is also available at the pool between 10am and 4pm with a voucher that will appear in the event programme.

The event is organised by Tendring Council and its communications manager, Nigel Brown, said: “As always, we are expecting a wide range of ages to take part – individuals, groups and families, many of whom will be raising funds for their chosen charities."

For more details about the event or to sign up, go to bike-events.com