THE Crudwell 'Le Mans' 24-hour bike ride will celebrate its 15th birthday over the June 12 weekend.

Every year hundreds of cyclists race in teams around the seven-mile circuit to raise money for charity.

Members of the Crudwell Village Hall Fundraising Committee, who organise the event, have some special surprises planned to mark its anniversary, one representing the famous 24-hour motor race at Le Mans in France.

Committee secretary Jane Straughan said: "As it is the 15th birthday we are going to have a gigantic cake. We are also going to have a full size balloon of a Le Mans car."

Over the last 15 years nearly £150,000 has been raised and distributed between each year's nominated charity and local good causes.

This year's nominated charity is the Headway Trust, which help people with head injuries recover.

Ms Straughan said: "We would really like people to be extra generous this year so we can raise lots of money for good causes. Last year we gave money to Cancer Research UK, which is obviously a big national charity, but this year we have decided to go for a local charity in The Costwolds."