AN early bird discount is availalable for anyone signing up to a hospice charity's cycle challenge before the end of the year.

Rennie Grove Hospice Care hopes regular participants will sign up soon, and that people may even consider 'giving' entry to the event as a Christmas gift for active - yet hard-to-buy-for friends and relatives.

The popular event will be taking place for the fourth time in on March 23 2014, offering everyone from the novice cyclist to the most committed enthusiast an appropriate cycling challenge through the beautiful Chilterns countryside.

With a 10k, 35 mile or 75 mile route to choose from, early sign up will give a great incentive to everyone to get off the sofa and keep active whenever the weather allows throughout the winter months.

The Early Bird Adult entry to the Challenge costs £14.50 (normal cost £17) and the child entry is £5 (normal cost £10) including a t-shirt, medal and water along the way.

Registration is open now on www.renniegrove.org/chilternscyle

Last year the Chilterns Cycle Challenge attracted over 350 participants and raised over £35,000 to support the charity’s nursing and support services for local patients with cancer and other life-limiting illness.

In 2014, Rennie Grove is hoping that the event will raise over £40,000 to help it meet the increasing demand for its services from within the local community.