CENTRE court seats at the Wimbledon final have got nothing on being part of Dorset’s Macmillan Bike Ride.

Not according to Peter Heness anyway, who gave up his tickets to see Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic play in order to be among the 950 cyclists saddling up for charity yesterday.

More than 130 of the riders setting off from Corfe Mullen recreation ground bravely took on the 100-mile route in the baking sunshine, with others opting for 10-60 mile courses.

Peter Smith-Nicholls said: “We think Mr Heness has really got his priorities right. He really wanted to be here for us, so gave up his seat at Wimbledon, which I think is pretty noble.

“He’s done the race before, and really felt he should come along and do our 100- mile challenge.”

As Macmillan celebrates its centenary this year, organisers are hoping they will have soon clocked up a total of £100,000 in sponsorship.

Mr Smith-Nicholls added: “This is the best weather we’ve had for a good few years and there’s been a great turnout, which should really boost our collecting buckets.

“We made a real push to get as many as entries as possible to mark the 100th year, and the take-up for the 100 mile was the best we have ever had.

“It’ll take a few months to tot everything up but I think we’ll be pushing that target.”

Volunteers were dotted around Dorset’s roads handing out water to competitors.

The various routes take in the Stour Valley, Bulbarrow and Milton Abbas, as well as Blox- worth and Lytchett Matravers.

To donate, visit macmillanbikeride.com.