The up-and-coming sport of cyclo trials is attracting converts in Bradford.

Organisers say anyone who rides a bike can take part in the sport, which involves cycling through a course and tackling natural obstacles, such as rocks.

Bradford is one of the few areas in the north of England which have a cyclo trials club, the Yorkshire Tykes Cyclo Trials.

Karen Luscombe, of Culling-worth, and her friend Heather Jagger, from Bingley, set up the club - an offshoot of Yeadon-Guiseley District Motor Club - after finding nowhere locally for their young sons to take part in the sport.

They now run ten trials events a year and a practice session, which was attended last year by the 1997 British champion Chris Akrigg, who comes from Skipton. Cyclo trials is divided into four categories, from absolute beginners to expert, with courses to suit each ability. Judges watch riders as they ride through each section and the cyclists are penalised for putting their feet to the ground, deviating from the course or falling off. The winner is the rider with fewest penalty points after four laps of the track.

Mrs Luscombe said: "It has really taken off as a sport. At the last event we had 60 riders. There's no age limit and it's suitable even for beginners, who can move through the categories as they improve. You don't need a specialised bike, anyone with a mountain or BMX bike can join in, but as you progress it's better to have one. All we ask at first is that riders wear helmets and long sleeves."

A year's membership of the club costs £6 - or day membership to take part in that day's event is £2 - plus a £2 entry fee.

The next event will be at Pateley Bridge on Sunday, May 9. Information is available from Mrs Luscombe on (01535) 271389, or Mrs Jagger on (01274) 565415.

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