RECORDS were broken at a charity bike ride in memory of a world champion cyclist from Bury.

For the second year running, the Reg Harris Cyclosportive remembered the five-time world title holder.

And this year, almost 300 cyclists set off on six, 26 and 51-mile routes through Lancashire. Last year, 217 riders took part.

The event has raised more than £5,000 for various charities.

The cyclosportive was a family affair, with Reg’s daughter, Marilyn Hughes, her husband, David, and their children, Richard and Amanda, organising the event in partnership with Tottington and Bury West Rotary Club.

Two of Reg’s great-grandchildren completed the course for the first time, proving they had their relative’s cycling prowess.

Bury youngster Matthew Taylor, aged 12, finished the 26-mile circuit in two hours, 23 minutes and 15 seconds and nine-year-old George Hughes, who lives in Devon, finished the same course in two hours, 53 minutes and 18 seconds.

Mrs Hughes, of Gisburn Road, Lowercroft, said: “The day was a fantastic success and everything went really well.

“This year quite a few riders came from across the North West to attend, so it is great that the Reg Harris Cyclosportive is getting better known in the wider area.”

All three routes began at Tottington High School, with the six-mile circuits a ‘taster’ for less serious riders and the 26-mile and 50-mile routes which Reg himself would have ridden.

Reg, who died in 1992, was a world champion five times between 1947 and 1954, breaking numerous world records and winning two silver medals at the London Olympics in 1948.

A statue and memorial to his achievements can be found at the Manchester Veoldrome.

For more information, go to regharrissportive.co.uk, follow @RegSportive on Twitter or search Reg Harris Cyclosportive on Facebook.