MORE than 500 cyclists took to the lanes and woodlands of mid Cheshire on Sunday when an annual festival of cycling went up a gear.

The Pedal Power Festival smashed expectations in its second year, with the first Salt Towns Shaker sportive rides of 35 and 70 miles selling out and riders from across the north west queuing around the block to take part.

The event, inspired by the Guardian's Pedal Power campaign and organised in conjunction with Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich town councils, also featured the return of its popular five-mile family ride through Northwich Community Woodlands, which attracted 200 cyclists, and a huge variety of cycling-related stalls, displays and activities.

Northwich town councillor Andrew Cooper, from the organising committee, said: "This year’s Pedal Power Festival had something new with the inaugural Salt Town Shaker 35 and 70 mile sportives.

"These routes allowed us to showcase our three mid Cheshire towns of Northwich, Middlewich and Winsford, as well as take in some fantastic scenery and some challenging climbs around Beeston Castle and Delamere Forest.

"You never know with a new event whether people will want to come, but in the end we sold out, with 300 riders out on the sportives on the day.

"With about another 200 out on the family ride, we couldn’t have hoped for better.

"Although there was a bit of rain in the morning, it didn’t dampen spirits and there was a great atmosphere in the Festival Village, as riders returned and stayed on in town for the attractions."

Cllr Ken Kingston, Middlewich's mayor, welcomed riders to the first sportive Grub Hub at the Kings Lock pub.

"I thought it was good and all the cyclists seemed really pleased, they were very happy with it."

Cllr Ailsa Gaskill-Jones, mayor of Winsford, said: "It was absolutely fantastic to witness Pedal Power as it made it's way through Winsford on Sunday.

"I spent some time at the Old Star Grub Hub and it was clear the riders were thoroughly enjoying the challenge and were very complimentary about the organisation of the event.

"From a personal perspective and in line with the theme for my mayoral year of 'Wellbeing', it was great to see all ages and abilities participating in the ride.

"As Pedal Power goes from strength-to-strength, as I am sure it will, I hope that Winsford is able to further develop its support of this event."

Cllr Andy Stott, mayor of Northwich, gave out goodie bags to riders of the three distances when they crossed the finish line in Witton Street.

"I thought it was an excellent event," he said.

"It was well supported and it was good to see people of all ages attending.

"Although the weather did its worst, cyclists still turned out in quite a large number.

"This event can only move on and I see this as a success for Northwich, hopefully getting bigger and better as the years go by."