NOTTS County Cricket Club captain and former England player Chris Read has been announced as the official starter of the 30th Great Notts Bike Ride this Sunday.

This year's charities are CLIC Sargent, Cerebral Palsy Sport (CP Sport), Nottinghamshire Scouts and the RNLI.

Chris, who is a patron of CP Sport, will be starting the 19 mile ride and the family lap challenge.

"I was asked whether I would like to be involved on the day and I jumped at the chance," he said.

"I've seen the riders passing through in previous years. My father-in-law is taking part with his partner this year.

"It would be something I would love to do in the future.

"I bet I will probably turn up on the day and see loads of people I know.

"Lets hope for some more weather like today because it will be stunning."

Chris Simon, director of organisers Perfect Motion, said: "Entries are coming in thick and fast this week so I would strongly recommend entering now to avoid disappointment."

This year's event features a 19 mile community ride, a 58 mile challenge ride and a 72 mile ride, as well as the family lap challenge around Holme Pierrepont.

Places are still available for all four rides, but online entries close on Friday morning.

After that, people can enter on Saturday at the Carnival of Cycling taking place at Nottingham Trent University, or on the day of the ride if there are any places left.

To enter, go to www.greatnottsbikeride.com and click on the "register now" link on the right hand side of the page, or call 0115 807 7980.

There is also a competition to win a bike – enter at www.facebook.com/greatnottsbikeride.

New entry criteria has been put in place this year for safety reasons.

The 72 mile ride is open to adults aged 18 and over only.

The 58 mile route is open to adults and children, aged 10 and over riding their own bikes. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult, with a ratio of one adult to every child.

The 19 mile ride is open to adults and children aged 6 and over riding their own bikes. Tag-along bikes and child seats can be used. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

The family lap challenge is open to all ages and all types of bike. Children need to be accompanied by an adult.