CYCLISTS from the Wee County and further afield came together on Sunday to participate in the Tour de Clacks and raise money to help the people of Ukraine.

More than 50 cyclists took part in the 22km (13 mile) circular route, which had starting points at Alloa Railway Station and Tillicoultry public park, on Sunday, May 1.

Previous Tour de Clacks have raised money for good causes such as Prostate Cancer UK and this year's event aimed to raise funds for Alloa Rotary Club's partner the Rotary Club Warsaw City.

All money raised will be going to the club to help them provide more shelter, power generators, medicines, food and essential children's items to Ukrainian refugees.

Celia Norton, senior member of the club and former president, was marshalling at the Tillicoultry starting point and told the Advertiser about another great event.

She said: "It was good, the weather was good. We had a lot of very excited riders."

All cyclists paid a £5 fee to enter the event and Celia and the club are hoping to tally up all the sponsorship funds in the next couple of weeks.

The 13 mile route takes in Tillicoultry, Sauchie, Alva, Menstrie, Fishcross and Alloa and most riders were finished by the early afternoon.

One participant hadn't cycled in 20 years but still took part and thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Medstrom, a UK company which produces hospital beds, have donated 200 beds to the Warsaw club.

All the money raised from the Tour de Clacks, combined with previous funding sent by Alloa's Rotary Club, will go towards purchasing hospital mattresses to be sent to Ukraine.

More than £8,000 has already been raised for the club, not including the proceeds from Sunday's event.

Reflecting on another successful Tour de Clacks, Celia added: "A big thank you to everybody that got involved and we hope that everybody enjoyed it.

"Well done to all the people that finished."

The Rotary Club of Alloa are already planning their next Tour de Clacks event.

Visit tourdeclacks.com/ for more information on upcoming events.