Hop on your bike and get pedalling to raise money to keep air ambulance helicopters in the air.

Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge is on Saturday (May 13) and there are still some spaces available for this weekend’s event.

The bike challenge started almost three decades ago in 1994 and has since become a popular charity event.

Jonathan Jones, who organises the event for Borderland Rotary Club, said: “It’s been hard work getting everything organised, and I think I’ve walked double the course length of 22 miles just checking the route and liaising with the landowners, without whom, the event could not go ahead – so a big, thank you, to them all.

“I think we’re just about there; we’re just sorting the food now - energy food at the start and cakes at the end, what’s not to like! So, get on with it, and, as I’ve always said, all you need is a mountain bike, a helmet and the heart of a lion!”

The 22-mile challenge, which starts at 10am near Rhiwlas Village Hall, near Oswestry, takes the riders over natural trails, green lanes, and farm tracks, on private land in the foothills of the Berwyn Mountains and is available to riders of all levels of competence.

However, it’s not for the faint hearted as there’s only about 300 meters of tarmac and probably no more than that on level ground. Some may wish to ease the pain by entering on their E-bikes and they are very welcome.

As time has gone on more sponsors have joined Dairi-Pak, the original sponsor, and now AICO, Mule Café Racer and Organic Energy are regular supporters.