A CYCLING event will raise more than £30,000 for the care of terminally ill patients living in the New Forest.

A cheque for £29,000 raised by the Oakhaven Hospice Bike and Hike has been handed over to the Lymington charity, with more money still to be counted.

Organiser of the fundraising event Corinne Bekenn was thrilled with the result.

She said: "The success is due to the increased number of participants and the sponsorship that those individuals have raised.

"We anticipate the final figure will increase still further to well over £30,000, when Oakhaven reclaims tax on the Gift Aid donations.

"It was such a fun day. There was biking and hiking at the same venue. We shall look forward to seeing everyone at next year's event on October 2, 2005!"

Top prizes went to Lyndhurst Working Men's Club, which raised £1,019, Roy Mumby and Linda Bedford who collected £742, and Joanna Oswin who raised £976.

Walking prizes went to the Jackie Fox Team, David and Susan Laurence, the Gunn family and Peggy Bendell.

Oakhaven's past chairman, Sir John Curtiss, and his Acorn team raised the most money on the day.