Essex is set to receive £1 million in funding over the next year, from The London Marathon Charitable Trust.

The funding has been made possible thanks to RideLondon's partnership with Essex County Council, making the county one of its 'core funding areas'.

Councillor Lee Scott, Essex County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance and Sustainable Transport, said: "We are delighted that we have been able to unlock more funding to support cycling, sport, and physical activity across the county.

"This funding from The London Marathon Charitable Trust will lead to healthier communities and supports our plans to make walking and cycling more accessible to Essex residents."

Gifted by the organisers of RideLondon, the funding will support organisations and projects throughout Essex, creating more opportunities for everyone to participate in physical activity.

Plans for the funding include promoting active travel (walking or cycling) in schools and communities, expanding the Essex Pedal Power programme, and supporting a new county-wide open grants programme for projects helping residents to lead active and healthy lives.

Catherine Anderson, Executive Director at The London Marathon Charitable Trust, said: "Organisations and groups across Essex are already doing fantastic work to help more people have greater access to sport and physical activities, and we can't wait to see the impact our partnership with Active Essex and The Active Essex Foundation will have over the next year."

RideLondon began in Maldon yesterday (Friday 27 May) with the start of RideLondon Classique, a three-day stage race for the world's best female riders. Winner Lorena Wiebes crossed the finish line on Maldon High Street, in a last-gasp sprint win for Team DSM.

For more information on RideLondon, visit the website.