A CLASSIC hill-climb cycle race is returning to Ramsbottom this weekend.

The annual Rake Hill Climb will be held from noon on October 7 on Rawson’s Rake, with riders setting off from outside Ramsbottom Library.

Organised by Lancashire Road Club, the race takes a gruellingly steep route up a gradient so sheer the road has a handrail for pedestrians.

A staple of the hill-climb season for generations, the race is only open to cycling club members, but the public can spectate along the course.