TOUR DE CLACKS has drawn interest from more than 40 cyclists who rode through the Wee County this September in a bid to raise funds.

The event, organised by Alloa Rotary Club, sought to support Prostate Scotland with more than £700 raised for the good cause.

One in a programme of Rotary Rides across the country, the cycling event went ahead on Sunday, September 5, starting at Alloa Railway Station.

Those taking part took on a 13mile circuit which took riders through the Hillfoots, almost entirely on car-free sections of the National Cycle Network.

Alun Morgan, the Alloa Rotarian organising Tour de Clacks, said: "We received a lot of positive feedback from marshals and riders; the weather kept dry, and everyone enjoyed themselves."

He promised folks in the Wee County will see more of Tour de Clacks in the future and asked the public to look out for "more opportunities to get on your bike and help Alloa Rotary Club to make a difference".

The youngest rider on the day was 10-year-old Emily MacPherson, granddad of John MacPherson who is past president of Alloa Rotary Club and the eldest cyclist in the event.

There were a few serious cyclists along with family groups and supporters of the good cause.

Cycling Without Age, which offers trishaw rides for the elderly in Clacks, was also represented with Clackmannan's Scott Bamford piloting for passengers Robbie and Margaret, who enjoyed an outdoor adventure.

John Scott, president of Alloa Rotary Club, said: "We are so grateful to the lovely people who turned out to participate and glad that they were provided with a lovely morning for the ride.

"It was good to meet Richard Walker, the fundraising and partnership development manager from Prostate Scotland, who came to encourage both the participants and the marshalling team of 15 Rotarians placed around the route."

Rotary Rides launched back in 2015 and have been a particular hit in Scotland ever since.

However, the pandemic disrupted events and this year marks the resumption of the initiative as restrictions are easing.

The Clacks event is supporting Prostate Scotland so it can continue its life-saving research and has also been a vehicle for awareness raising, education and to provide advice.

Adam Gaines, director of Prostate Scotland, said: "Alloa Rotary Club event was fantastic.

"These Rotary Rides really help spread the word that although prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Scotland, it is increasingly treatable.

"With early intervention, survival rates are very high.

"The Tour de Clacks was a really innovative event, marrying some of Scotland's most beautiful countryside with a witty name.

"This event also cements Prostate Scotland's special relationship with Alloa, where rugby clubs have held several excellent fund-raising events on our behalf."

For information about prostate disease and treatments, as well as for advice for those with a diagnosis, visit prostatescotland.org.uk