A FAMILY bike ride is being organised for cycling enthusiasts in north Durham.

Stanley Town Council is putting on the event on Sunday, May 1, with help from

Sustrans and the Durham Big Ride.

It is being organised to celebrate the opening of a new link route from the C2C route into Stanley town centre.

Councillor Joan Nicholson, chairman of Stanley Town Council, said: “It is a wonderful facility which should be used as much as possible.

“Our event will only use a small part that is close to the town but the route is such a wonderful ‘highway’ to some of the best countryside around.

“We want to get people of all ages out on their bikes and use the routes and get a little fitter into the bargain. It is a ‘win-win’ situation for all concerned.”

Both routes start and finish at Oakies Park, with a 20 mile ride to Cox Green, just outside of Sunderland and a shorter one for youngsters to Beamish Museum car park.

Gina Clarke, network manager for Sustrans, said: “We are looking forward to the event bringing new people to the C2C, giving the next generation of cyclists the opportunity to experience the route for themselves.”

The cost of the Stanley Family Cycle is £15 for adults and £7 for under 14s.

All finishers get a t-shirt and goodie bag. For more information search for Stanley Family Cycle on Facebook.