PLACES are now available for bike riders of all abilities to join in Northwich's celebration of cycling.

Registration has opened for the ride section of the Pedal Power Festival, which takes place in Northwich town centre on Sunday, May 11.

The festival, inspired by the Guardian's Pedal Power campaign, will feature live music, displays, challenges, pop up shops, advice, information and tasty treats.

It kicks off at 10am with a family friendly five-mile ride from the town centre, around Ashton and Neumann's Flashes, along the River Weaver and through Carey Park, using closed roads, safe crossing points and traffic-free cycle paths.

More details about fun along the route are yet to be finalised but we can reveal that all entrants will receive a goody bag, gingerbread medal and a free ice cream at the finish.

Places are limited to 500.

Entry to the ride is £5 for adults over 16, £2.50 for children aged between five and 16 and £10 for a family of up to two adults and three children.

The minimum riding age is five but younger children in child seats, tag-along bikes and trailers can enter for free.

All proceeds from the event will go to Northwich children's charity The Joshua Tree.

Details about the rest of the day, including the festival village and more rides in the afternoon, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Among the organisations putting on the event are Concept X, Northwich Town Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Joshua Tree, town centre traders, Amplify Youth Music Project, Development of the Arts in Northwich (DAN), Cheshire Police, Weaver Valley Cycling Club, British Cycling’s Breeze network and Roberts Bakery, to name but a few.

To enter the Pedal Power Festival five-mile ride visit entrycentral.com/pedalpower