COMPETITORS at an international sporting event being held in the region will take home something a little bit different if they are successful.

Rather than being given medals at the opening round in this year's UCI Mountain Bike Cross Country World Cup in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, winning cyclists will receive hand-made wooden trophies from a master craftsman.

Phillip Greenwood, who will make the trophies, said: "I was really surprised when the organisers got in touch and asked me to make the winners' prizes.

"I'm really proud though I have to say it's the strangest commission I've ever had.

"I will be going along to the event on Sunday and really can't wait, I think I'll feel as proud as the person holding the cup when I see one of them lifted into the air.

"I will be hand-making 22 trophies in total and have chosen Beech to represent Gold, Ash for Silver and Oak for bronze, they look similar to the metals in colour and are all locally sourced which is what the organisers wanted."

Alan Eves, Forest Management Director with the Forestry Commission, said: "The waiting is over and we are now on the verge of a sensational weekend of World Cup racing in the heart of the North York Moors.

"Pickering and Dalby will be the place to be whether you plan to watch high speed street racing, have a go at the Dalby Dare, or witness truly thrilling action in the forest provided by the world's best riders."

Tickets for this weekend's event are available from 9 and can be purchased from the Dalby Forest Visitor Centre or from ticketmaster.co.uk.