Young cyclists taking part in the UK's first British Cycling dedicated junior sportive have an extra incentive to get on their bike, with Doddington Dairy ice cream waiting for them at the half-way stage of the event.

The 30km ride takes place on May 17, when up to 1,000 cyclists will hit the roads of Northumberland and the Scottish Borders at part of the latest Wooler Wheel events, which this year are in aid of Radio Borders’ children’s charity Cash for Kids.

The north east's leading independent producer of farm-made ice cream have agreed to adopt the junior sportive, which will run close to their base at Doddington.

Neil Maxwell from Doddington Dairy said: "Our children love cycling and we have fantastic scenery, low traffic roads and are far from the madding crowd in this area, and events like this are great for bringing visitors to the region."

The junior event is only open to riders up to 16-years-old. No unaccompanied adults will be allowed!

The route has been devised to give younger cyclists a challenging ride along quiet, low traffic roads and enable them to be part of a much larger event, which for many will be their first experience of an organised sportive.

Each junior entrant to the British Cycling-registered event will receive a timing chip and will get food and drink and a T-shirt at the end of the ride, which starts and finishes at Wooler livestock mart.

Beth Mills, of Wooler Cycle Hub, said: "We are delighted to have Doddington Dairy on board for the Wooler Wheel Junior Borderlands.

"I'm sure the prospect of one of their wonderful ice creams at the 15km mark will spur our young entrants on, and help ensure they enjoy the day even more.

"The event is all about encouraging young people to get into cycling, while also supporting disadvantaged children in Northumberland and the Scottish Borders through Cash for Kids, and it promises to be a great day."

The young riders must be accompanied by an adult, but they will not be charged an entry fee and can also use the amenities at the mart.

The route will be signposted and there will be marshals at key locations and a dedicated support vehicle.

Entries to all four Wooler Wheel Borderlands rides close on April 27. Adult may choose from 170, 100 or 60km rides.

For more information about the event, and to sign up to any of the four rides on offer, visit http://woolerwheel.com. From this webpage you can get a link to build a sponsorship page if you want to help raise even more money for Cash for Kids, in addition to the profits from Wooler Wheel entry fees which will be donated to the charity.