Rain holds off for London's fourth annual Tweed Run (+ picture gallery)

Following what was London’s wettest April for more than a century, and with the heavens opening again today, the rain held off yesterday for long enough to allow hundreds of cyclists to enjoy the fourth edition of the Tweed Run.

Among those taking part in the retro-themed ride, with clothing reminiscent of a country house weekend of a bygone age was Blur guitarist Graham Coxon, who joined others at the mid-ride Tea Stop, which this year took place at the Imperial War Museum.

Among the bikes on show was a £25,000 custom build with bespoke leatherwork complete with matching chocolate diamonds, the result of a collaboration between a London designer and jeweller.

Jacqui Shannon, founder of the Tweed Young along with Ted Young-Ing, said: “It’s fantastic to see such a strong turn out for the event despite the looming clouds. Every year the Tweed Run has become increasingly popular and the 500 free places on the ride are snapped up in minutes when the event registration goes live”.

Young-Ing added: “The Tweed Run is a fun day out and it’s easy to see all the beautiful outfits and bikes and forget that we’re actually raising money for charity.

“We’d like to think that by working with World Bicycle Relief we’ve found a charity partner that everyone on the ride can relate to. World Bicycle Relief improves the lives of children, families and even entire communities through bicycles.”