THE FIRST Royal British Legion northern bike ride was such a success that organisers have been given the go-ahead to plan next year’s event.

Craig Owens, 49, from Middlesbrough, a veteran of the Royal Navy and keen cyclist, organised the event after getting frustrated that none of the big charity bike events for the RBL were in the north – despite the huge amount of RBL members and veterans in the area.

“I realised that if I wanted one I’d have to organise it – so I approached the president of the Pedal to Paris ride if he would set one up in the North, and he told me to prove it could work,” said Mr Owens, who is Northern representative for the RBL Cycling Club.

“We got to work straight away looking at possible routes, and we have come up with a 100 mile and a 70 mile route.

“We wanted to showcase the best of the region so have come up with two fantastic routes from Stainton, Middlesbrough, to Help for Heroes recovery centre Phoenix House in Catterick Garrison.

The 100 mile route will make its way from Stainton, through Great Ayton, climbing Clay Bank and Chop Gate, into East Rounton, Bedale and Catterick Garrison for lunch before heading back to Stainton for the finish.

The ride was hailed a massive success, with riders feeding back to Mr Owens that the event was both humbling and emotional.

Hannah Cookman, visits, events and volunteers co-ordinator at Phoenix House, said: “It is fantastic when charities like Help for Heroes and Royal British Legion take part in combined events because it shows both charities support each other as we are both working towards the same aim.”