MORE than 400 cyclists took part in National Bike Week events organised by the Cycling Campaign for East Lancashire.

Riders were able to claim certificates for completing the five and 10-mile rides centred on Witton Park, Blackburn.

"It was a great success," said spokesman Robin Field. "Numbers were more than double last year's.

"It was very encouraging to see so many people, young and old, get on their bikes and discover local routes."

More than 90 of the riders also conquered Oozehead Lane in CyCEL's Beat The Hill challenge, including 64-year-old resident Norman Parkinson, who recently returned to cycling after 43 years.

"The youngest was only six," said Bill Kembery, who supervised the event. "Even a two-year-old made it on the back of her dad's bike!

"With modern gears, no-one should be put off cycling by the thought of hills."

People interested in joining CyCEL should contact 01254 249632 or 01254 51072.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.