CYCLISTS who want to see the Vale's famous blossom trail can also raise money for a good cause and pick up a free T-shirt.

The annual Blossom Trail Bikeaway is planned for Sunday, April 23 and will be the main fund-raising event of the year for St John Ambulance in Pershore.

Cyclists will set off from Wood Norton Conference Centre on the A44 near Evesham between 9.30am and 11am although registration is from 8.45am.

Then it is pedal power all the way to follow the well-signposted trail which takes in Evesham and Pershore and many of the Vale villages.

Riders have a choice of four routes - seven, 14, 26 or 35 miles and the first 100 to send in their application forms will receive a souvenir T-shirt.

Wychavon's tourism officer and events organiser Angela Tidmarsh is a long-serving member of the town's St John Ambulance.

She said: "What better way to see the Vale's breathtaking blossom and raise cash for charity at the same time.

"The first 100 who register can literally say, 'been there, done that and got the T-shirt'.

"Over the last few years this event has proved a popular day out for all the family no matter what speed you prefer to cycle at."

To enter, just fill in the form printed here and send it to the address given, with the entry fee.

For the not-so-fit, Wychavon District Council has teamed with a local coach company to provide a Spring Blossom Coach Tour.

The route takes in the Blossom Trail, Evesham Country Park and the Almonry Heritage Centre in Evesham with a lunchtime stop in either Pershore or Evesham.

The coaches will begin from Worcester and Pershore on April 5, Redditch, Studley and Alcester on April 12, Bromsgrove, Wychbold and Droitwich Spa on April 19 and Rubery and Bourneville on April 26.

The tour costs £7 for adults and £3.50 for children, including entry into the heritage centre.