THIS YEAR'S Isle of Wight Randonnee was the biggest and best yet, organisers have said.

With 3,500 cyclists taking part on Sunday, numbers were up ten per cent on last year.

It is thought up to two thirds of participants came over from the mainland, giving Island tourism a welcome boost.

All went smoothly, barring a couple of incidents where cyclists got injured.

The randonnee is not a race, but a chance to leisurely enjoy a 64-mile trail around the IW. It is therefore suitable for a wide range of people, young and old.

Andy Newman, one of the organisers, said: "Inevitably there is some friction with road users with an event of this scale, but we would like to thank drivers for being patient and courteous.

"It is only one day a year and we thank them for their patience."