AN Archers star will have the honour of starting this year's Hearts First Worcester Bike Ride in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

Alison Dowling, who plays Elizabeth Pargetter, will send off riders from Worcester Rugby Club along the 10 or 20-mile routes through country lanes, which take in Droitwich and two recently opened sections of the Sustrans national cycle way.

She is no stranger to the problems of living with heart disease - her character was born with a congenital heart defect and in a recent storyline she had a valve replacement operation after the birth of her twins.

"I'm a keen supporter of the work the BHF does, not only in treating and caring for those living with heart problems, but in educating younger generations to take care of their own hearts and prevent heart disease in later life," she said.

Entry to the event on Sunday, June 6 costs £10 for adults, £15 on the day, and £5 for under 16s, £10 on the day, and all participants have been asked to raise sponsorship with prizes available for the highest individual and team sponsorship.

To register call 0800 169 3672 or email region8@bhf.org.uk