Atrocious weather conditions failed to dampen the enthusiasm of people in south west Wales who got on their bikes to raise money for a leading cancer charity.

Tenovus staged the third annual Red Dragon Ride around Carmarthenshire on Sunday and it is hoped £3,000 has been raised from people pedal power.

The coastal park is popular with cyclists

The 25 mile route started at the Old Eisteddfod Field at the Millennium Coastal Park.

Organisers feared the event would have to be cancelled because of heavy rain and fog, but the 160 competitors carried on.

Seventy percent of the ride was off-road on cycle paths.

Organiser Robert Taylor said: "You don't have to be a Tour de France rider to take part in our events.

"It is all about family fun and raising much needed funds for Tenovus.

"I thought at one stage about cancelling the event but the riders wanted to go ahead.

"Considering the conditions everything went very well.

"I would just like to thank everyone who took part and particularly the stewards for spending all day in such nasty weather."

The ride passed through Five Roads, Trimsaran and Pinged.

The route became off-road again passing the Motor Sports Centre in Pembrey and continuing along the Millennium Coastal Path back through Burry Port and Pwll.

Everyone who completed the ride was presented with a Red Dragon Ride certificate.

The route was marshalled all the way with first aid cover provided by St John's Ambulance.

Helpline

One couple came from Gloucestershire to take part to honour a family member who died from cancer a week ago.

Cardiff-based Tenovus is the biggest cancer charity in Wales, annually investing more than £2m in research, patient care, counselling and education.

Tenovus Free Phone Cancer Helpline 08 08 808 10 10