The British Heart Foundation (BHF) yesterday announced that Tesco will partner with the charity to support a series of fundraising cycling events in the UK and abroad.

Over the next three years, the UK’s biggest retailer will work alongside the BHF to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity on people’s health through promoting the benefits of cycling and encouraging people to get in the saddle to raise funds for the charity.

The announcement comes as the BHF opens registration for the 40th year of its flagship London to Brighton Bike Ride, which sees more than 25,000 fundraisers cycle the 54 miles from the capital to the coast each June.

“Regular physical activity and healthy eating can significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes," says Greg Sage, community director at Tesco. "That’s why we’re encouraging the nation to make healthier choices and what better way than to jump on your bike and take part in a local BHF ride.”

Tristam Jones, head of events at the BHF, added: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Tesco as the new partner of BHF cycling events. Over 50,000 people took part in a BHF bike ride last year, but through Tesco’s scale and reach, we hope to inspire thousands more to take to their bikes, look after their heart health and help to raise vital funds for the BHF’s lifesaving research into heart disease.”

In September 2014, it was revealed that Tesco had formed a partnership with the BHF and Diabetes UK to focus on ways to encourage healthy eating and cooking habits, as well as promote exercise.