THIS year’s Liphook Bike Ride raised more than £20,000 for good causes.

The money was collected through a combination of riders’ entry fees, commercial sponsorship, charity sponsorship and individual collections.

The Liphook Crankers took over the running of the bike ride for the first time, after LiDBA, who ran the event for 25 years, handed over its reigns during a presentation ceremony a year earlier. The Crankers remain very closely engaged with the LiDBA team who will continue to maintain their close links with Liphook charities.

Ride chairman Alistair Halliday said: “We were delighted with the way the 2016 ride went and are very pleased with the funds raised.

“We have conducted our own post ride review process to ensure that we can fine tune the event and make it even better next year.

“We were hugely grateful for the support from so many charities and also from the companies in Liphook as well as East Hampshire District Council, who provided us with sponsorship funding and without whom the ride could not have taken place.

“Our thanks also go to Bohunt School, who provided the facilities whilst Owens Cycles provided repair service and prizes. Liphook Guides managed the water stops and the Petersfield Air Cadets helped the car parking.”

Alistair added: “Planning has now started for the 2017 ride scheduled for Sunday, June 11. Once again the team will be writing to local businesses to request their sponsorship support.

“The 2017 ride will be similar in format to this year but we intend to hold another briefing session in the new year for charities to assist them with their online bookings.”

Twenty-nine Liphook businesses assisted with last year’s sponsorship, including Barons of Hindhead, Allianz, Clarke Gammon Wellers, Liphook Carpet Warehouse, Liphook Travel, MacDonald Oates, Oak Lodge Dental Practice, the Green Dragon and The Royal School.

The main charities who took part were: First Camelsdale Scout Group, Furniture Helpline, Liphook Day Centre, Liphook and Lynchmere Cricket Clubs, the Rosemary Foundation, Friends of Liphook Junior School, Liss Athletic Football Club, Haslemere Swimming Club, Footprints, Camelsdale Primary School PTA, Little Cherubs Nursery, Liphook Scouts, Liss Junior School PTA, Naomi White Charity Fund, Friends of Rogate School, Sheet Primary School, Friends of Woodlea Primary School, Rowans Hospice and We Ride for Ryan.