AROUND 230 people got on their bikes in support of a hospice.

They saddled-up for the 14th Bronte Mountain Bike Challenge, which raises funds for Manorlands.

The ever-popular event offers four routes, catering for all abilities.

Each ride is named after the legendary literary sisters, whose parsonage home was less than three miles from the event's starting point at Oxenhope Community Centre, and Wuthering Heights' Heathcliff.

Toughest route is Heathcliff, labelled a 35.1-mile 'extreme challenge' .

Charlotte follows a 28.4-mile course.

Emily covers 21.9 miles of tracks, trails and minor roads.

And completing the line-up is Anne, covering 15 miles.

"Conditions were wet but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves – and no one got lost!" said Andrew Wood, a fundraiser at the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

"We were pleased with the turnout, which was about on a par with last year.

"Estimates are that we raised around £8,500, which again matches previous years."

Everyone who completed the event received a medal, pie and peas and a drink at the finish, in the grounds of the hospice.

The main sponsor was All Terrain Cycles.

Whilst there was no obligation for entrants to raise additional funds through sponsorship, those who coined-in £50 or more were entered into a prize draw to win a bike-related prize courtesy of the company.

Keighley-based Colin Appleyard sponsored the start and finish.

Mr Wood pays tribute to all those who supported the event.

"A big thank-you goes to the sponsors," he said.

"Thanks also to Raynet – which provides the radio communications – all the volunteers who give-up their time to help and of course the entrants for taking part and supporting the hospice.

"We're already looking forward to next year's event."

All the results can be found on the Ride for Manorlands Events Facebook page.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families at the hospice and in the community, across an area covering Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale as well as parts of Bradford.

All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £9,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.

Only a small part of the cost is covered by statutory funds.

Most of the funds have to be raised through voluntary donations.

Next on the fundraising calendar is the annual Starlight Hike, which takes place on Saturday, September 29.

The event begins at Oxenhope Station. There will be a warm-up before participants board a Starlight Hike train to Oakworth, where the walk starts.

Hikers will cover a 10km route.

The event is again being sponsored and supported by Stirk Lambert and Co Accountants and the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

Anyone interested in helping on the night is asked to contact Hayley Ibbotson on hayley.ibbotson@suerydercare.org or 01535 640431.