HUNDREDS of riders have descended on the New Forest this weekend for one of Hampshire's biggest mass cycling events of the year.

The Wiggle New Forest 100 Sportive is a two-day rally, with riders from across the south starting at Somerley House, Ringwood, today and tomorrow.

Cyclists have the choice of three routes ranging in distance from 30 to 100 miles.

Entrants eager to travel on one of the longest routes can follow a 59-mile course that takes in Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and Bramshaw.

The maximum 100-mile course comprises a circular route that includes the northern tip of the Forest, plus a large area between Romsey and Salisbury.

Money raised by the event will be donated to Alzheimers Research UK.