Keen cyclists are already in training for this year’s Wild Boar and Humbug Chases in the Forest of Dean.

Entries are now open for this year’s event organised by the Forest of Dean Lions with the help of the Royal Dean Forest Cycle Club.

Four routes are available covering different distances from 20 miles to 46 miles, of mainly off road cycling. The events start and finish at the Speech House Hotel near Coleford.

The event attracts around 1,000 cyclists from across the country with monies raised awarded to deserving causes in the Forest of Dean by the Lions. Last year’s event raised £15,000.

Entries are currently £20, this will rise to £24 on February 1st. For eight – 12 year olds there is a nine mile Humbug chase at £8.

The event’s main sponsor is Forest Phoenix Accountancy and entries can be made on line at www.fodmbe.org.uk. The event is on Sunday, May 14th and takes in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.