Thousands of cyclists took to the saddle and braved one of the hottest day of the year to raise millions of pounds for charity.

About 27,000 people took part in the London-to-Brighton Bike Ride yesterday, raising an estimated £2.4 million for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Cyclists took part on a variety of bikes, from racing and mountain bikes to vintage models and tandems.

They were cheered on by the crowds during the gruelling climb up Ditchling Beacon - the highest point of the ride.

Thousands more family, friends and well-wishers converged on the finish in Madeira Drive.

Temperatures soared well into the 70s and, after crossing the finishing line, many took advantage of the good weather to relax on the beach.

Dawn Chapman, from St John Ambulance, said many riders took extra water with them.

She said: "Because the riders knew it was going to be warm they have been very sensible and got extra provisions with them. It has meant we have had quite a quiet day."

Cyclists, including heart patients, came from all over Britain to complete the 56-mile ride, making it the largest of its kind in Europe.

Collin Adams, 32, from Hastings, made a pact with some friends if they ran a marathon he would do the bike ride.

He said: "They kept their side of the bargain and so here I am keeping mine. It has taken me about four-and-a-half hours to complete.

"I'm feeling OK at the moment but I'm sure my legs are going to ache a lot tomorrow."

Friends Adam Travell and Richard Briggs took part as the caped crusaders, Batman and Robin.

Adam, 24, from Hampshire, said: "It seemed a good idea to dress up when we first talked about it but not now, we are really sweating."

Richard, 34, said: "It's been really good fun. I definitely want to do it again."

A BHF spokesman said: "It always seems to be hot when the bike ride is held which means we get a lot of people coming along to cheer everyone on.

"It is our biggest fund-raising event of the year. For the past few year years, we have raised about £2.4 million so we are hoping to beat that this year."

Rail company South Central laid on special trains from Brighton to London for cyclists returning home.

The fastest riders, who started at 6am, began arriving at the finishing line in Madeira Drive at just after 9am but most preferred a more leisurely ride, taking an average seven hours.

The annual event started in 1976 when a group of 30 friends cycled from Hyde Park to Brighton seafront.

More than £26 million has been raised for the BHF since 1980.