PICTURES taken more than a half-a-century apart show the town continues to be a popular choice for cycle racing.

The first picture was taken by The Bolton News in 1962, with keen photographer Henry Lisowski capturing the exact scene 56 years later on Sunday, as cyclists taking part in the Horwich Triathlon raced past him.

The pictures shows cyclists turning off Chorley Old Road onto Walker Fold Fold by the Bob's Smithy Inn, a popular route used by the cyclists and those racing in competitions.

Mr Lisowski, who lives in Heaton, happened on the race by chance.

He said: “I live near there and was just out walking.

"I had no idea that the race was taking place, but I remembered the 1962 photograph and took this picture.

“I have quite a collection of old photographs and try to capture the same scene for a before and now."

He added: "These days it is quite hard to get in exactly the same position because of the traffic."

Mr Lisowki, aged 59, travels the borough and has a collection of before and now pictures, with the most recent taking in Smithills. He said that some places had changed a lot but others had stayed pretty much the same, as in these pictures.

He shares his pictures with like minded individuals on social media.

Although Mr Lisowski says although he is not sure which race the cyclists are taking part in 1962, he said the area remains popular with cyclists as they take in beautiful parts of the borough, cycling in Rivington and Horwich.

His picture shows cyclists taking part in The Race to The Pike, in which and amateurs and professionals alike take on a 500m pool swim followed by a 40k undulating cycle ride.

The triathlon dates back more than 25 years and takes in beautiful views across the hills.

The borough is also home to Horwich Cycling Club which was founded in 1934, by a group of cycling enthusiasts. Formerly Horwich Wheelers, they became Horwich Cycling Club. T

Road Racing and Time Trialing were the main backbone of the club in the 1950s and 60s, with many of those racing during these decades still active cyclist today.

And Bolton Clarion Cycling Club organises rides and events for enthusiastic cyclists in and around the North West of England and also further afield.