PRESTON has been chosen to co-host the' Longest Ride' this summer when all 10,000 miles of the National Cycle Network will be covered, from dawn to dusk.

Preston is one of 69 other 'hub towns' to promote the cycle ride, on Wednesday, June 21, when mayors and councillors will rub shoulders with world class cyclists riding into Preston from all over Lancashire for the unveiling of a Millennium Milepost and a community arts project in Avenham Park -- the crossroads of the county's main cycle routes.

Paul Binks, senior engineer from Lancashire's environmental directorate, explained: "The Millennium Milepost is basically a work of art of about 6ft tall. There's a few around the country, but this is the first one in Lancashire. "The milepost is designed to direct cyclists along several routes which link Preston with places like Kendal, Southport, Lancaster and Bury.

"The routes are for everyone -- from commuters who don't want to cycle through dense traffic to get to work, and the Sunday cyclist who just wants to ride just a few miles.

"The basic idea behind these routes is to make them as safe as possible. They are meant to be safe enough for an 11-year-old to cycle the route safely."

Preston's Community Arts Project (PRESCAP) will also join in the event by designing a banner which every cyclist on the day will sign.

Paul Binks added: "There will be about 120 cyclists that will converge on Avenham Park and they all will be asked to sign this banner to commemorate the event.

"Not only will councillors and dignitaries, but people like Keith Wright -- the 1997 World Pursuit Champion and Caroline Cook a member of the Great British Olympic Cycling team -- who have been kind enough to come along and support this excellent scheme."