The future of Marlow Sports Club could be secured after organisers of a charity bike ride announced they will donate proceeds to help safeguard local sport for generations to come.

The Marlow Red Kite Ride sportive, which is set to take place on September 3, has chosen to make the popular club their nominated charity this year.

Marlow Riders, the cycling club that runs the Red Kite Ride is based at Marlow Sports Club on Pound Lane.

As well as the cycling club, Marlow Tennis Club and the town’s hockey club are also based there, with a membership of around 2,200 people.

Rod Woodland, chair and co-founder of Marlow Riders, said a donation from the club will make a “significant contribution” to safeguarding sport for all and help building a cycling community in the town for future generations.

He said: “The Marlow Red Kite Ride continues to go from strength to strength, proving popular with local cyclists as well as those that have travelled a long way to enjoy our beautiful countryside. 

“To date the Red Kite Ride has raised £34,000 for cycling based charities. We value having our base at Marlow Sports Club and felt that this year charity should start at home, particularly as by securing the future of the Marlow Sports Club we guarantee there will continue to be friendly, inclusive cycling for all, in Marlow.”

Plans to revamp the sports centre’s club house are currently being considered by Wycombe District Council.

A new £2 million “eco-conscious” pavilion to replace the current building which is “no longer fit for purpose” will be the first step of an overhaul of the premises, if it is given the go-ahead.

Plans for the new glass-fronted clubhouse, which will completely replace the old building and have four changing rooms as well as a bar and a café, were drawn up by Marlow-based architect firm Heighway Associates.

The Red Kite Ride, which is in its sixth year, is now open for entries.

This year, there are three new routes of 50, 80 and 100 miles that organisers say will take in the beautiful Chilterns countryside and provide “iconic climbs, sweeping descents and takes the rider through quintessentially English villages, past famous filming locations, the river Thames, and a windmill or two.”

In 2016 the Red Kite Ride raised £9,000 for charity Wheels for All, which provides adapted bikes for disabled children.

For more details, visit www.marlowredkiteride.co.uk.