Worcester Warriors rugby players got on their bikes to help the British Heart Foundation launch its annual Hearts First cycle ride in the city.

The bike ride - taking place on Sunday, June 4 - is crucial for raising funds to tackle heart disease in Worcestershire. Heart and circulatory disease is the nation's biggest killer, accounting for 240,000 deaths a year. Worcester Warriors scrum-half and England international Andy Gomarsall, said: "People of all ages can be victims of heart disease. By keeping fit and leading a healthy lifestyle you can protect your heart, so why not join hundreds of people in this fantastic bike ride?

"And you don't have to be super fit to take part. Encourage your family, friends and colleagues at work to enter a team or simply challenge yourself to complete a 10 or 30-mile route."

Louise McCathie, BHF event organiser, said: "Every two minutes of every day we need to spend £190 on life-saving heart research because every two minutes someone has a heart attack and sadly only half survive. Registration is now open so why not sign up today to join in the fun, keep fit and raise money."

The fun event starts at 9am and participants will travel through the north of the county to Droitwich Spa and then on to Bromsgrove before returning to Warndon at their own pace. The event is open to participants of all ages, but under-16s must be accompanied by an adult and gain their parents' consent on their registration form.

To register in advance it costs £10 for adults, £5 for under-16s and £20 for families (max two adults).

On the day it will be full price at £15 for adults, £10 for under-16s and £25 for families.Application forms are available by calling 0800 169 3672 or emailing westevents@bhf. org.uk.

Participants can also register online at bhf.org.uk/ events and set up their own on-line sponsorship page.