MAYOR of Taunton Cllr Dave Durdan and the Mayoress Mrs Renee Durdan were joined by England and Somerset cricketing legend Andy Caddick, to launch the Rotary Club of Taunton's 20th Annual 50/50 Charity Cycle Ride and Walk.

This unique event, on June 21, offers riders and walkers the option of donating 50% of their sponsor monies to a charity close to their heart.

During the last 19 years, well over £178,000 has been raised for charitable purposes - and beneficiaries have included the Musgrove Leukaemic Group Somerset, Cystic Fibrosis, S.U.R.E., Cancer Research UK, the Royal British Legion, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Help for Heroes, the League of Friends at Musgrove Park Hospital, Stillborn and Neonatal Death Society, Trees for Cities and local schools, churches and Scout groups.

The ride and walk both start and finish at Somerset College’s Genesis Centre with entrants choosing to start between 10am and 12pm.

Cycle options include the new for 2015 10-mile route along part of the Taunton-Bridgwater Canal, the established 18-mile and 28-mile routes and a family-friendly off-highway 2-mile route at Longrun Meadows.

For those who prefer a ‘Sunday Stroll’, a four-mile walk around Longrun Meadows, Netherclay Wood and Longaller is available. Refreshments will be available for entrants, families and friends and there will be a classic cars display.

For those who want to take part, entry forms are available around Taunton, including Ralph Colman Cycles, Taunton Tourist Information Centre, the County Gazette offices in St James Street or from The Cycle Ride Administrator, Brindles, 16 Campion Drive, Taunton, TA1 3XE.