A CHARITY cycle ride has been hailed as a success after raising £2,000 for Cotswold charities.

Over 100 cyclists have taken part in this years annual Tour d'Ilmington, raising over £2,000 for the community. 

Shipston Rotary Club hosted the event in Ilmington for the first time on June 30, after seven years in Newbold on Stour, providing a more 'organised and calm' feel according to Shipston Town mayor John Dinnie. 

John Gimblett, who organised the Tour d'Ilmington, said: "I believe this is our seventh year. 

"We ran three recreational rides, they are not races and they offered a ride for all abilities. 

"For enthusiastic riders we had the 100km route, for those wanting a more challenging route we had the 30 mile hill climb, and we also had a 10 mile family fun ride which was mainly flat.

"In the past we have always had the event in Newbold on Stour, but this was the first time, the Tour d'Ilmington was actually in Ilmington. 

"We have not done a full count yet but we have raised well over £2,000 for local charities. 

"Recently we have been raising money for Shipston First Responders and Shipston Food Bank."

Each of the three different rides were named after three members of the community who had lost their lives. 

The rides were called, The Rebecca Gray Memorial Ride (100km), The David Lockwood Memorial Ride (30 miles) and The Steve Edwards Memorial Family Ride (10 miles).

Mr Gimblett continued: "The mayor of Shipston, the town crier and Anton Lesser, a patron of Shipston Home Nursing were all there. 

"Shipston Spokes was also there to provide safety checks. 

"It was overcast which is ideal for cycling and it was not too windy.

"It was a great day out, it all went as planned, the feedback we had from cyclists was all positive and they all seemed to appreciate the new venue."

The event was held at the Ilmington Playing Fields for the first time instead of at the Newbold on Stour Village Hall. 

John Dinnie, mayor of Shipston, said: "I am no bike rider and I was there strictly for an ornamental capacity. 

"Having said that, it was very nice to see so many people taking part and raising money for so many good causes. 

"What particularly impressed me was the tandem bike which I think completed the 100km ride. 

"It was also really nice to meet Anton Lesser, and it was a privilege to assist him in handing out the medals."