Hundreds of cyclists began the 205-mile Chase The Sun bike ride at dawn in Minster on Sea in Kent in south-east England on Saturday 19 June.

The ride, beginning at 4:14am, will take them east across the country, ending in Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset in south-west England, or at sunset if they don't make it in time.

This year's was the biggest ever Chase the Sun (South) event, with 945 cyclists registered and an estimated 700 starting.

The event is scheduled to coincide with weekend closest to the longest day and is an endurance challenge rather than a race.

Organisers describe it as a non-competitive ride, open to all, with no rules, route-signs, timing or medals.

Chase the Sun is an epic 205 mile bike ride in one day across England from east to west, starting at sunrise in Minster on Sea, Kent at 4.41am and aiming to finish in Burnham-on-Sea at or by sunset on 19 June.

In the biggest ever Chase the Sun (South) event, 945 cyclists registered for the event, with an estimated 700 starting.

The event is scheduled to coincide with weekend closest to the longest day and is an endurance challenge rather than a race.

Footage shows participants setting off from Minster on Sea, Kent.