RACERS from across the United Kingdom are preparing for gruelling racing at the biggest 24-hour mountain biking event in Britain.

Eastnor Castle Deer Park, opposite Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury, plays host to the 10th annual T-Mobile Giant Mountain Mayhem on Friday.

Professionals and amateurs will take on the tricky seven kilometre course in groups of four and five or as single competitors.

The gates open at 8am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with the race beginning at 2pm on Saturday and finishing 24 hours later. The last competitors are expected to cross the finish line at around 3pm on Sunday.

Around 10,000 spectators are expected to make this year's event the biggest yet.

Visitors on Friday will also be able to get stuck into the Giant Dirt Demo - the perfect chance to test the most up-to-date bikes from a whole range of suppliers.

From 9am, demo rides will be available all weekend and visitors can pre-register on-line at http://dirtdemo.single trackworld.com.

The last rides at Giant Dirt Demo will be at 6.30pm on Friday and Saturday and at 1.30pm on Sunday.

Patrick Adams, partner in organisers Pacific Edge Events Limited, is looking forward to the extravaganza getting under way.

Adams said: "This year's T-Mobile Giant Mountain Mayhem has been a long time in the planning once again and everything is set for a fantastic weekend's mountain biking.

"We have had brilliant support from our new co-title sponsors - T-Mobile and Giant - and the crowds can look forward to some exhilarating racing and a brilliant day out."

The event closes to the public from 10.30pm on Friday and Saturday and from 6pm on Sunday.

For more information, visit www.mountainmayhem.org.