More than 70 cyclists have hit the road in memory of a popular villager.

Jeff Goodsell, from Lenham, passed away in April aged 54 following a long fight with bowel cancer and a 21 mile bike ride set off from his home village at 11am today.

In total 74 entrants are riding in honour of the former steel fixer and it is hoped that £3,000 will be raised for the Charles Dickens Ward at Maidstone Hospital.

A 15 metre long ribbon, knitted by his mother Doreen Goodsell, marked the start of the course in Lenham Square.

The route will take them through Egerton, Pluckley and Charing before they return to the start point.

A charity raffle is also taking place, with a mountain bike donated by Perry Woods Vending and Woods of Headcorn up for grabs.