THE Olympic legacy lives on in the Vale as a cycling group inspired by the London Games celebrates its first anniversary.

The Honeybourne Bicycle Users Group was set up by Steve Bullen who wanted to create a cycling and walking hub that would attract visitors to the village.

A year on, his ambitions have been realised and the group has gone from strength to strength with new routes and events being introduced that are inspired by local cyclists as well as gold medallists.

“It is amazing how quickly it has come around,” said Mr Bullen, who now organises five types of ride including a family cycle, the 10 to 20 mile aspire ride, the race event, a pink ride for ladies only and an off-road event.

“There has been stuff going on all year and it’s been very positive. It has now led to me getting involved with the preparation of the town plan as well and trying to create sensible routes.

“We have introduced lots of new events. On November 23 we had the first pink event for ladies and even though the weather wasn’t on our side, a small group came and want to do it again so we will add that to the programme.”

Mr Bullen also successfully campaigned to get Gloster Ades, Stoneford Lane and Back Lane in the village designated as ‘quiet lanes’.

He has received the support of Worcestershire County Council’s highways department, Honeybourne Parish Council and Bretforton Parish Council, which have all agreed to fund the transition between them.

“We are still waiting on the finalisation of the quiet lanes,” added Mr Bullen.

“The next stage is for them to put a traffic count in place, then it is the beautification of the lanes.

“I am tickled pink with how it has gone. It’s nice when you see that people are improving as well.”