A SEVEN-year-old girl who only learnt to cycle on two wheels last year is one of the first people to sign up for this year’s Daily Echo-backed Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride.

Springdale First School pupil Jessica Elms of Poole was at Primera Sport’s Sign Up Saturday in Charminster with her father Chris. Although he has taken part in four previous rides this will be her first time.

The pair will be tackling the 10-mile route together in memory of Jessica’s great-granddad Bampy, who died of cancer two years ago.

“This is the first time she’s been able to ride a bike with gears and without stabilisers,” explained Chris, of Creekmoor, Poole.

His wife Claire said: “Jessica lost her great-granddad, great-uncle and great-aunt to cancer all in the same year. It inspired Chris to do the 100 miles last year and now Jessica wants to ride for Bampy.”

Next year the family could have another entrant, as Jessica’s little brother Josh, three, is already riding his bike without stabilisers.

Cyclists entered for the ride at Primera, each receiving a free Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride water bottle donated by the company and Castle Cameras. Entrants will also have the chance to win a £20 voucher each week until the big day on July 1.

As well as the 10 and 100 mile routes, there will be 38, 48 and 60 mile distances, all starting from Corfe Mullen recreation ground.

Each year the event attracts around 800 riders and raises more than £80,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Visit macmillanbikeride.co.uk, call 01202 601705, or write to Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride, PO Box1432 Broadstone, BH18 9YE.