A charity bike ride has been launched, with people encouraged to get involved.

Monster Bike and Hike sees participants leave Fort William and make their way to Inverness along the Caledonian Canal and Great Glen Way.

On Wednesday, this year’s event was launched in Edinburgh with support from two Hearts players. Ryan McGowan and David Templeton are encouraging people to take part.

The club was keen to get involved after staff and friends were affected by cancer.

The challenge raises money for Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, which supports cancer sufferers and their families.

The fundraising event will take place over the bank holiday weekend of May 5 and 6. Participants will cycle 31 miles before hiking either 8.5, 23.4 or 41.2 miles.

Event manager Georgina Bushell said: "It takes a great deal of determination to take part in Monster but by all accounts it is a hugely rewarding experience both physically and mentally. It's the kind of determination that Hearts Footballers bring to the pitch every week, and I am so pleased they are encouraging their fans to sign up for the event.

"We pull out all the stops to make sure that Monster is a bank holiday weekend to remember for all participants and volunteers. It is inspiring to see the teams coming over their chosen finish line and the satisfaction and joy in their faces.

"We would love to get over 1000 people signed up for Monster 2012 so I would encourage you to log on to our website to view last year's event film, rope in some friends and colleagues and get signed up."

For more information on cancer, visit the STV Health Centre, brought to you by NHS inform.