AMATEUR cyclists saddled up on Sunday for the fourth annual Charlie Westlake Memorial Invitation bike ride staged by Bury Clarion and Bury Cyclists' Touring Club.

The event attracted 22 male and female riders, ten of whom chose to ride the shorter 54km (33 miles) route from which there were nine finishers.

For the longer 105km (64 miles) ride, there were 12 entrants, with everyone completing the course.

Both events started at Castle Leisure Centre in Bury and finished at Millcroft Tea Gardens in Norden.

Sunday's longer ride, introduced last year, proved to be a great test with many climbs for the riders to tackle.

Probably the most difficult were Pendle Hill out of Downham and the climb to Crown Point out of Burnley.

The "sting in the tail" of Owd Betts, tackled during both rides, made for a challenging day.

Although not a race, a number of riders were anxious to complete the course in as quick a time as possible.

This year, Stan Freerick completed the 54km route in 2hrs 21mins - just 11 minutes outside the record. First riders home in the 105km event were Andrew Ascroft, Stephen Casstles, Eric Taylor and Andrew Greenhalgh who completed the course in 5hrs 35mins. All finishers will be awarded a commemorative certificate.

Mr John Butterworth of Bury CTC said: "This year we attracted fewer riders than last year's record turnout of 39.

"But thanks to entrance fees and extra donations received, the organisers collected £52 on the day - all of which will be forwarded to Bury Hospice."

The annual event is in memory of Charlie Westlake, a high profile member of the Bury cycling fraternity for almost 60 years until his death four years ago.

Sunday's rides are 'A' to Holmfirth and 'B' to Rathmell. Riders should meet at 9am at Wilkinsons, The Rock, for either ride.