CYCLISTS of all ages saddled up on Sunday for a ride around the Borders to help raise money for a local rugby star.

And despite the dreary weather, the roads around the Borders were packed as around 600 riders took part in the Doddie'5 Ride, set up by former England and Lions star Peter Winterbottom, in support of the rugby star's My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.

The aim of the event was for all cyclists and spectators to have an enjoyable and safe experience while raising funds in support of Doddie in his battle to help find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease.

The former Scotland and Lions forward, 47, announced last year that he had been diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease.

The Doddie’5 Ride started and finished at The Greenyards, home of Melrose Rugby Club, consisting of two distances; the Doddie’5 Classic 60 miles and Doddie’5 Challenge 11 miles.

The driving force behind the Ride of the Legends events, Peter Winterbottom said: “What we have tried to create here is a fun event for cyclists of all abilities and age groups, from club cyclists and weekend cyclists to complete beginners.

“The rugby fraternity has been hugely supportive of Doddie, but participants in other sports – such as cycling - have come forward and shown a willingness to assist the Foundations fund raising ambitions.”

And Doddie played a key role on the day, flagging off the riders at the start, before getting on his bike and joining the other cyclists.

Among those who supported the event included former Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European triple jump champion Jonathan Edwards.

All five members of the Weir family - Doddie, Kath, Hamish, Angus and Ben - were there to lend their support along with Peter and Louise Haston, the TORQ Fitness team rider and multiple Commonwealth Games medallist and British, European and World Masters champion.

For more information, including how to make a donation, go to: www.myname5doddie.co.uk