A TOWN centre was brought to life when cyclists of all ages and abilities were treated to an evening of fun, friendship and competitive racing.

Bishop Auckland’s Market Place was transformed by the town’s second annual Ride Bishop and Family Fun Ride event on Wednesday.

Both experienced and just-for-fun cyclists sped around the cordoned-off one kilometre circuit that ran from the town’s Market Place, through Fore and North Bondgate and past the town hall.

The venture was organised by Durham County Council, bike-race organisers, Velo29, and promoters of sustainable transport, Local Motion, to encourage healthy lifestyles.

The evening started at 5pm with a fun adults-only ride. Around 30 cycling enthusiasts completed the course, led by the town’s mayor, Lee Brownson.

This was closely followed by a Superhero family event when more than 30 mothers, fathers and children cycled the circuit dressed as cartoon characters. Eleanor Pattison, seven, from Newton Aycliffe won a spot-prize decked-out as Robin to accompany her twin brother, Samuel’s Batman.

Then at breakneck speed, two competitive races began.

The youth race began with 15 furious minutes of racing from the under-8s and under-10s followed by a superhuman effort from the under-16 competitors. The men-only elite race, competing for a prize pot of £1,500, then got underway and was won by Matthew Kipling.

Junior race winners included Matty White (under-8s), Joel Hart (under-10s), Ben Partridge (under-12s), Matti Egglestone (under-14s), Mark Donovan and Sophie Enever (under-16s).

BMX flatland champion and Guinness World Record holder, Matti Hemmings supported the event by doing a demonstration.

He said: “Hopefully seeing me will encourage kids to get involved with BMX. It’s about getting kids interested in cycling, to see what you can actually do on a bike.”

Richard Williamson, 39, events director for Velo29 said: “We have encouraged participation in the recreational side and the competitive youth races so that kids can ride under the same conditions as the elite athletes. Hopefully they’ll be inspired by that and take it up a gear next year.

“Eventually we’d like to see Bishop Auckland included in the Elite Criterium Series, the top UK racing circuit. After a few years the event will gain credibility and British Cycling will hopefully include Bishop Auckland in the series.”

Councillor Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting the Bishop Auckland cycle races. The addition of the family fun rides means everyone in the town can get involved with the evening.”