A PLANNED cycle ride in aid of the air ambulance has been cancelled.

The Ride4Life event scheduled for September 16 in aid of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance charity has been shelved because of health and safety concerns.

An air ambulance spokesman said: "Having completed a due diligence review of the proposed event it is considered that the activity may be too high risk."

In a statement, the lifesaving charoty said that following consultation with its partner organisations, and in particular those responsible for operating and monitoring the event, it was decided to cancel.,

In apologising for any inconvenience caused, the charity spokesman went on: “We appreciate that this will disappoint some of our supporters, but we are sure you will appreciate that your safety and that of the bikers around you has to be our primary concern.

“Your ongoing support is extremely important to us, and our team have started working on next year’s ride out. We are considering several different routes and we hope that everyone will join us then to raise funds for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.”