IT was a weekend of 'double delight' for runners and riders flocking to Horwich.

For the annual Horwich Festival of Racing graced Saturday for the first time and there were the traditional Sunday festivities, with more than 1,000 people turning up to take part or cheer on from the sidelines.

There were events for people of all ages and talents, from a fancy dress family run to a unicycle race.

Organisers closed off parts of Chorley New Road, Winter Hey Lane and Lee Lane to make way for a course, which was kept busy throughout the weekend.

Proceedings got under way with the fancy dress run and a mass cycle ride on Saturday afternoon and continued with a series of youth cycle races in the evening, followed by cycling events for adults, won by Simon Wilson, of The Nap racing.

Wilson broke away with Martin Wiffinden on the 31-mile course and then managed to cut free near to the finish line.

Tom Mazzone finished third and next came Ryan Ashcroft and Dan Wheelen.

Throughout Saturday, Old Station Park was a hive of activity as guests enjoyed a day of live music and entertainment.

One of those out enjoying the event was mother-of-three, Eimear Ghosh, aged 35.

She added: "It's brilliant, my children have been getting involved in the different races.

"They love it and there's always a great atmosphere.

"I have been coming here for years and it's important to come out and support the community and support the local people.

"The atmosphere is great and it's a lovely thing to keep the village alive.

"It helps you feel a part of the village too. Everyone should make an effort to come down and support events like this."

Organisers said they were delighted the weather turned out mild but rain free on Saturday and held out for most of Sunday.

A triathlon kicked off Sunday's entertainment and there were more youth cycling challenges.

Among the most fascinating events on yesterday was an orienteering dash, known to competitors as 'cunning running'.

Runners are given a map at the start line and are challenged to find and reach a series of checkpoints as quick as possible, using their best navigational skills.

John Pullin, aged 67, was among those taking part, along with fellow runners from an orienteering club in the Lake District.

He said: "It was a lot of fun and a great challenge.

"You really have to think fast and it's a good mix of a physical and mental challenge.

"Sometimes it can be difficult because you're out of breath while trying to think hard.

"The delay to your next checkpoint might only be five or 10 seconds, but, over the whole course, that hesitation can be the difference between finishing high up or low down."

Another highlight was the unicycle road race, and there were riders from all age groups.

President of the Festival, Barbara Ronson, said: "We didn't know how it would turn out, having the Saturday events for the first time, but it has worked very well.

"We need about 50 volunteers to make the event run smoothly and the team this year has been absolutely superb,

"It is very rewarding for us to be able to see so many families coming out to enjoy themselves, especially with the fancy dress run, and to see so many children running, cycling and unicycling."

Mrs Ronson added that the financial backing given by supporters of the event was crucial to ensuring it is of a high quality each year.

The festival traces its roots back to 1977 when the first racing events took part as part of Horwich Carnival, which is next weekend.