COLNE is gearing up for the highlight of this year's Pendle Bike Fest tonight.

More than 4,000 people are expected to line the streets for the second Colne Grand Prix as Olympic and world champion riders take to the town's roads for a fast and furious race.

And there will also be the chance to see cycling stars of the future, including Stephen Burke from Colne who is part of the British junior squad, in a support race which kick-starts the event.

Organiser Mark Sandamas, of Pennine Events, said: "It's going to be a very busy race, and a very close-fought race.

"There will be non-stop action. People will see riders pass by in less than a minute a lap, so there's going to be an awful lot for spectators to enjoy.

"There's a high calibre of riders. We've got world champions and Olympian medallists in the field. There's going to be a real buzz at the event."

The action starts at 7pm when club and junior riders taking to the streets for a 30-minute support race, and then the elite 60-lap Colne Grand Prix gets underway at 7.30pm.

Organisers are promising an exciting and entertaining race on the 800-metre circuit, which has two long straights separated by wide sweeping corners, and a slight climb to the finishing straight.

Sprints have also been added to spice up the race.

The race is being supported by local businesses, including Barnfield Construction which is sponsoring the event.

Mark said: "There's an awful lot of excitement about it, even among people who aren't cyclists.

"A lot of people have got behind us like Barnfield Construction who recognise the value of the event building up the town's prestige. We're drawing in riders from across the country and getting cycling media attention. It really is putting Pendle on the cycling map."

Colne is one of ten towns in the UK hosting one of British Cycling's National Elite series of races. Clitheroe will hold its Grand Prix on August 3.