A MULTI-AWARD-WINNING West Berkshire pub will be the start and finish point for a charity bike ride that raises money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The Cottage Inn, Upper Bucklebury, will wave off 336 riders taking part in the Tour de Berkshire on Saturday, August 3.

They will then welcome them back at the end of their 10-mile ride with drinks, including a barrel of beer donated by the pub, a barbecue and a bouncy castle for children.

READ MORE: Reading pub renamed The Victoria Cross for new look

It is the seventh time the pub, which is owned by award-winning community pub company Hawthorn Leisure, has hosted the charity ride, which to date has raised £84,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which is marking its tenth year.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition affecting more than 10,000 people in the UK.

Pub partner Gary Bush said: "This event means so much to us, because my niece, Molly, sadly died as a result of cystic fibrosis, last year.

"The team here at The Cottage, and everyone in the local community, is looking forward to raising more money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which is a fantastic organisation, and we hope to break the £100,000 barrier.

"So we're encouraging everyone to come along and join in the fun on the day."

Tour de Berkshire founders Ross and Nicky Green, whose daughter Tilly suffers from cystic fibrosis, said: "The event is organised by volunteers and takes place in the beautiful West Berkshire countryside, with refreshment stops at a number of well-known rural and rustic pubs.

"The ethos of the event is to get together, raise some money for cystic fibrosis, and have a great time doing it with friends and family.

"Last year, with the support of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, 330 riders turned up and helped us raise more than £14,000."

Hawthorn Leisure managing director of operations Mark McGinty said: "The work Gary and his team have done over the last seven years supporting the Tour de Berkshire is very commendable, and it's no surprise the pub has won three consecutive community awards.

"We wish them, and those taking part in this year's ride, all the very best, and hope they're able to reach their £100,000 target."