A CYCLE ride around the Wee County next month is set to raise awareness of prostate cancer, placing an emphasis on the importance of an early diagnosis.

Alloa Rotary Club will be joining counterparts across the UK by hosting their Rotary Ride for Prostate Cancer.

Also known as Tour de Clacks, the route will take participants across the Wee County on Sunday, September 4, as part of a national drive aimed at supporting prostate cancer charities and increasing awareness of the disease.

The Clacks club will be raising funds for Prostate Scotland, a charity set up to provide information, advice and help on prostate health and diseases test and treatments.

Alun Morgan, president at Alloa Rotary Club, said: “For this event we will again be making good use of the Tour de Clacks, which is our affectionate name for the wonderful cycle and walking paths that can be found around our Wee County.

“We have chosen a 22km, 13mile, circular route starting at the pedestrian bridge to the west of Alloa Railway Station and following along designated paths of the National Cycle Network of signed paths and routes for walking, cycling, wheeling and exploring outdoors.”

The event will start at 10am on the day on a safe route, mostly off the road on cycle paths.

Where road crossings are necessary, marshals will be visibly present and they will also be manning several strategic points along the route.

Most riders will be able to complete the route in less than two hours with a scheduled finishing set for 1pm.

Clacks residents of any cycling or wheeling ability are being encouraged to sign up and take part.

Alun added: “Most of us know someone who is affected by this very common, yet tricky to diagnose, form of cancer – so why not do what you can to improve the situation for these friends and for generations of men in the future?

“We look forward to welcoming you to the Tour de Clacks on September 4.”

Those interested can visit tourdeclacks.com or find the Rotary Club of Alloa on social media and follow the links to sign up.

The club, which serves Clackmannanshire, is also welcoming membership enquiries.

Anyone looking to join the club can email membership@alloa.rotary1010.org to express an interest.