PEOPLE are being urged to get on their bikes and take part in a special event taking in some of Pendle's best countryside.

As part of the Pendle Cycle Fest, the council and cycling club Blazing Saddles are staging a special off-road mountain bike tour around Wycoller and Boulsworth.

The 16km route is suitable for all levels of rider.

The event starts at 10am from Wycoller Country Park main car park.

As with all the Pendle Cycle Fest guided rides, it is free.

Chris Wilding, the council's cycling officer, said: "We have a good network of off-road routes in Pendle taking in some fantastic scenery and I encourage anyone with a mountain bike to come along.

"Cycling is a wonderful way of boosting health and fitness. The group nature of these rides also makes them good social occasions."

Participants will need to wear a helmet and should bring clothes suitable for the possible weather conditions.

Flyers listing the full schedule of rides are available from many council buildings, sports centres and cycle shops or from Pennine Events on 01282 814738 or www.pendlebikefest.com.

Other key dates in the summer-long festival include Pendle Cycle Show, on Saturday August 5, which has been moved from Victory Park, Nelson, to Pendle Leisure Centre, Colne; Colne Grand Prix road race on Wednesday July 19; and the elite 100-mile Tour of Pendle being staged on Saturday August 19.