A charity is seeking volunteers to help support the London to Brighton off-road bike ride next month.

The cross-country ride will see mountain bikers cycling from the capital to the seaside by following off-road trails through Henfield and Horsham rather than the typical road routes.

Now the British Heart Foundation is looking for volunteers to support riders across the 61-mile journey.

Laura Congreve, volunteer manager at the BHF, said: “Our events wouldn’t be a success without the hard work and dedication of our valued volunteers. We now urgently need more to sign up and help with our off-road London to Brighton ride next month.

“Volunteering is open to people from all walks of life and is both exciting and rewarding. Not only can you meet new people but you can also develop new skills and gain events experience.

“We would ask anyone who has some time to spare on September 23 to get in touch as soon as possible as your generous support will make such a difference.”

The London to Brighton Off-Road Bike Ride is an alternative to the BHF’s road cycling event which takes place every June.

Roles on the day include being a manager at the finishing line in Grand Avenue, handing  out medals, directing cyclists to water stations and manning checkpoints in Guildford, Horsham and Henfield.

More than 2,000 cyclists are expected to take part.