Urchins fuel charity riders!

AFC Hornchurch's directors got off to an early start on Sunday to help prepare hundreds of cyclists setting off on a 35-mile charity ride to Southend from their Ryman Premier home.

More than 650 riders set off at 5.30am in aid of the British Heart Foundation and Chairman Colin McBride, his wife Karen and daughter Laura, plus fellow directors Tony Bowditch and Ken Hunt, along with his wife Tina, were on hand inside their stadium in Upminster cooking and handing out refreshments to the fund-raisers and BHF support staff.

The BHF is also one of the Ryman League's chosen charities this season and their events' organiser Tacye Blest told the club that the charity was delighted with their efforts, pictured. The Urchins also announced on Monday that the BHA has already given them the go-ahead to host the ride again next year when many more cyclists are expected to take part as the event continues to grow.

Meanwhile, Urchins supporters are also busy backing the Teenage Cancer Trust, the club's own chosen charity this season, after raising around £1,000 with a 24-hour darts marathon in the summer. A sponsored walk to the away game at Maidstone United in November is now being planned along with other future events.