A DAD who has taken part in the Great Notts Bike Ride almost every year since it began will be joined by his sons for the ride's 30th anniversary tomorrow.

Dennis Bell and his two sons, Mark, 22, and Chris, 19, will spend Father's Day cycling to raise money for the ride's official charities – Cerebral Palsy Sport, Clic Sargent, Notts Scouts and the RNLI.

Dennis said: "We've always been keen supporters of CP Sport since my wife Ann, who will be doing her bit by marshalling at the ride, started working there seven years ago.

"As a family, we all like to do what we can for the charity as they do some great work to get people playing sports who wouldn't normally be able to."

Dennis, who is joint owner of Nottingham-based DBN Web Design, has taken on the 50 mile and 18-mile routes in the past. He and his sons will do the new 19-mile ride this year.

Dennis, from Stapleford, said: "I've always been a keen cyclist and always encouraged my sons to come out on bike rides with me from a young age.

''We all work long hours and don't get to see much of each other so it will be a good opportunity to spend some time together and of course, a great way to spend Father's Day.

"The Great Notts Bike Ride is a fantastic event and I've tried to take part in every ride since it started in 1982. It's come a long way since the first ever ride, with lots more people taking part these days, but it has always been an exceptionally well organised event.

''The marshals around the route deserve a special mention, as they're always really encouraging and give up their time year in, year out so that we can take part in the ride," he added.