A popular charity bike ride that raised £5,000 for Princess Alice Hospice last year is to return this summer in a bid to raise £7,000 for the charity.

The management team at the Star pub in Leatherhead has hosted the event for many years, but decided in 2012 that a local charity should benefit from their efforts.

Following a recent visit to the hospice general manager, Alan Elliott and assistant manager Jonny Rafferty were inspired to make the 2013 cycle bigger and better.

Mr Elliot said: “The hospice is an amazing place, coming here really opened my eyes to all the different care and support that the team offer.

“I had preconceived ideas about hospices and thought it would be a quiet, sad place, but it was filled with laughter.

“It was great to see patients engaging in art and craft activities and seeing them and their families enjoying the beautiful gardens. It has inspired me to try and raise even more money at our 2013 cycle.”

The 12-mile ride will take place on September 21, and entry is £5 or £10 on the day.

To register, call the hospice on 01372 461869.