Over 7500 people have taken to their bikes in Glasgow as part of Pedal for Scotland, the country's biggest cycling event.

The event, celebrating its 18th birthday, sees many participants raise money for children and young people affected by poverty by supporting the event's official charity partner, The STV Children's Appeal.

Transport minister Humza Yousaf and STV weatherman Sean Batty led the charge from Glasgow Green on Sunday, from where they pedalled to their final destination at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh.

They were joined by other STV faces including antiques expert Natasha Raskin and STV Glasgow presenters Jennifer Reoch and David Farrell.

X Factor star Nicholas McDonald and Heart Breakfast presenters Adele Cunningham and Robin Galloway also joined the party.

Over 6200 cyclists took part in the 46-mile Classic Challenge while 550 took the on the 112-mile Big Belter, which takes a different route through the southern uplands and features over 2400 metres of ascent.

Around 900 riders of all ages took part in the family-friendly Wee Jaunt, joining the Classic Challenge riders for the final 10 miles from Linlithgow.

The Wee Jaunt allows cyclists of all ages and abilities to complete the last stretch of the main Pedal for Scotland route to cross the finish line with the Classic Challenge and Big Belter finishers.

Yousaf, MSP for Glasgow Pollok, said: "It's great to be here with so many others participating in Pedal for Scotland. As the event continues to be popular, we see cycling growing as a form of active travel, and I wish everyone who takes part an enjoyable day out.

"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting events like this to encourage everyday cycling as part of a healthier lifestyle.

"That is why we have already committed £38.3 million to active travel in 2016-17.

"Over £1 billion is being invested annually in public transport and other sustainable transport options to get people out of their cars and on to public transport and active travel modes."

Keith Irving, chief executive of event organiser Cycling Scotland, congratulated everyone who had taken part in the event.

He said: "We're delighted to support our event charity partner, the STV Children's Appeal and it was terrific to have a large team from STV alongside the transport minister, Councillors, football heroes, radio stars, pop stars and people young and old all cycling with us.

"We appreciate the patience of businesses and residents along the routes which allowed people to ride across Scotland safely on closed roads and for traffic restrictions to be removed as soon as possible afterwards."

Mr Irving added: "The 18th year of Pedal for Scotland has involved the biggest logistical operation yet and I am looking forward to continuing the cycling buzz in Aberdeen on Sunday September 18.

"Equally, we look forward to seeing more people cycling for their everyday journeys having enjoyed a great day out for a great cause on Pedal for Scotland."

STV's own Sean Batty said: "It has been a great day and it's been fantastic to catch up with so many riders along the route.

"On behalf of the STV Children's Appeal, a huge thank you to everyone that has taken part in this year's Pedal for Scotland and raised money for the charity.

"Cycling from Glasgow to Edinburgh is a challenge made even more rewarding by doing it for a great cause, to raise funds to help the fight against child poverty in Scotland."