A 100km cycling sportive is returning to Northumberland's striking countryside after a five-year hiatus.

The Wooler Wheel Classic, where cyclists choose to complete either 60km or 100km routes, will take place on May 11 for the first time since 2019.

Both routes will begin and end at Wooler Mart.

Members of the H&H Group, the operators of Wooler Mart, are readying themselves to participate in the longer ride.

Craig Dickson, an account executive at H&H Insurance Brokers (HHIB), will be part of the line-up.

He will be alongside HHIB managing director Paul Graham, H&H group chief executive Richard Rankin, health, safety and welfare manager Mark Panzcak and H&H Land and Estates’ director of professional compliance Tim Parsons.

The quintet will use the event as a fundraiser for H&H's selected charities of the year.

These include the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) and Growing Well.

Mr Dickson said: "As a keen cyclist ready to get back into the sport after two serious ankle injuries, I was delighted when I heard the Wooler Wheel was returning.

"With H&H opening up Wooler Mart to participants as the start and finish point, it’s great that the event is going ahead again this year as it has been sorely missed.

“As somebody who knows the area well, cycling through the amazing North Northumberland countryside is a great thrill, and I have no doubt that cyclists are going to be impressed with the scenery as we pass through Lowick, Ford and up to the Scottish borders along the banks of the River Tweed.

“It’s undoubtedly going to be a tough challenge for us all, and for myself personally as my previous longest ride was 92km three years ago so I’m questioning whether I can squeeze another 8km out of these 52-year-old legs of mine.

“But raising money for H&H Group’s three amazing charities which support mental health - a subject close to my heart - will pull us all through, and we want to raise as much money and awareness for these wonderful organisations.”

Having trained rigorously for the 100km ride, Mr Dickson is eager to undertake the cycling event.

He said: "My legs are starting to feel good with all the training I’ve done and I’ve been bitten by the cycling bug once again.

“I’ve enjoyed getting out and about on Northumberland’s country roads with friends. The social aspect of cycling is one of its greatest benefits.”

To contribute towards Mr Dickson and the H&H team's charitable biking cause, people can visit: https://givestar.io/gs/hh-tackle-the-wooler-wheel-cycling-sportive.

For more details on the Wooler Wheel Classic, go to www.woolerwheel.co.uk.