THE team behind a successful cycling festival are hoping it will be bigger and better this year.

Some 6,000 people and 300 competitors attended last year’s inaugural Malton Festival of Cycling and are planning to build on that after winning local business support.

Ash Clark, who instigated the festival with fellow cycling fan Keith Davies, said they were delighted to be getting sponsorship from local firms.

“We are very pleased we have secured sponsorship this year and can build on the success of last year,” he said.

“We have put a real emphasis on keeping sponsors local and promoting local business.

“This year we are hoping to grow the Go-Ride racing for children, sponsored by Ray Chapman Motors, to really get the community involved.”

Last year saw youngsters, women, semi-professional and professional riders taking part in the festival, with the main race attracting some of the country’s leading cyclists.

A spokesman for Ray Chapman Motors said they had a history of supporting local charities and events and were proud to sponsor the Malton Festival of Cycling, which this year will be on June 21.

Fellow sponsors Crombie Wilkinson and Malton Relish said as two local, established businesses who worked together, they took pride in supporting the community in Malton and the surrounding area.

“We know the event will be hugely anticipated and well supported following the success of the 2014 Malton town centre race,” said their spokesman.

“We are looking forward to being involved with the race and seeing many people enjoy the event.”

The Malton Festival of Cycling is also sponsored by Northern Ride, Welcome to Yorkshire, Hunters and Malton CIC.