The Kids and Cobwebs ride was started by former Dungog resident Bev Ney after her husband Wally needed the services of the rescue helicopter.

Fifteen years and over $100,000 later the charity ride on the Friday afternoon is still a popular start to the annual event.

Kim Campbell from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Dungog support group said the first ride coincided with Bike Week and was held in conjunction with the opening of the bike track in Jubilee Park.

“The idea was to get the parents involved in a bike ride with the kids – to get their pushbikes out of the shed,” Mrs Campbell said.

“The PedalFest committee was formed around the same time and last year alone, $17,000 was raised for the rescue service.

“The ladies from Creative Craft and Fabrics classes have each made a panel with owner Carol-Ann Cummings, who supplied the wadding and backing, joining it together, with Shirley Bradford quilting it.

“The quilt looks absolutely fantastic and represents 15 years of the event.”

Tickets are available from Mrs Campbell and Catherine Berry leading up to and during the event which will be held on the weekend of September 10-12.

Mrs Campbell said all money raised during the event will go to the helicopter appeal as the cost of the event is covered by sponsorship money.