AROUND 300 children cycled around Coate Water Country Park in glorious sunshine for the Blue Peter Bikeathon.

The Swindon event was one of 80 that took place around the country in aid of the Leukaemia Research Fund.

Blue Peter presenter Liz Barker started the race before flying off in a helicopter.

Children cycled around the track and once they were done received a drink, a certificate and a Blue Peter cloth badge.

It was the third Blue Peter bikeathon to take place in the town and the money raised will be added to the £20,000 raised over the previous two years.

The organiser of the event on Sunday, Helen Wilmer, 26, of Nine Elms, said she got involved because her uncle suffered from the cancer.

She said: "I saw my uncle going through treatment and I saw how hard the staff in the hospitals were working.

"I wanted to raise as much money as possible to help them with their job.

"All the money goes to Leukaemia Research Fund which is trying to find a cure for all blood cancers as well as those affecting children.

"The turn out has been absolutely amazing."

Helen said she had been a fan of the BBC children's programme but had never got a Blue Peter badge.

She persuaded around 70 friends and acquaintances to act as marshals for the bike rides, guiding cyclists around the lake.