Plans for a sponsored cycle ride to raise money for a group restoring Canvey's seafront have been changed to include more cyclists.

The ride, due to start at the Kursaal on Southend's seafront and finish at the Monico on Canvey's seafront, will now go around the island.

Several riders expressed concern about difficulties getting their cycles to Southend before pedaling to Canvey, so the route has been changed to keep them on the island.

All money collected will go Canvey 2000, the group restoring the area for the millennium.

Admission to the ride, which will take place on Sunday August 15, will cost £1 and cyclists are being asked to raise sponsorship money.

Riders will start from The Monico on Eastern Esplanade at 10.30am and meet back at the seafront pub for a buffet after the cycle.

Organisers of the ride are hoping for a good turnout and would like to raise about £2,000 from the event.

Various stop-off points have been mapped out for tired cyclists to grab some refreshments.

Money raised from the event will go towards a wishing well and new pathway for the seafront.

Chairman of the scheme, Dennis Williams, said: "It will be a real jolly type of day for everyone to enjoy.

"We have already had quite a bit of interest from people keen to take part and we are hoping to have about 200 cyclists on the day.

"Everyone is welcome, despite their age or ability. I am even taking part myself. It will be my first time on a bike for about 20 years."

Work already carried out on the seafront includes a water feature, scented gardens and new Victorian street lights.

Plans are also in the pipeline for a tourist information centre, boating lake and children's play area.

Anyone interested in taking part in the cycle, should contact Derek or Suzanne Gray at the Monico for a sponsorship form on 01268 683026.

Donations can be made to Canvey 2000 at the NatWest Bank in the Island's High Street.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.