THE Town Hall Square was given an extra splash of colour on Sunday morning as the Clarion assembled for their annual Christmas ride, preceded by the 'downhill' competition, to Chorley.

Many of the riders made use of modern technology dressing up bikes with singing, ringing and dinging festive decorations. Father Christmas hats were suffice for others.

The colourful cavalcade made its way to Rivington, regrouping and picking up late comers at the Barn before reaching Nickleton Brow, the venue for the downhill.

Aero positions and weighted saddlebags are all part of the tactics to gain an advantage for this so-called 'unwanted' championship, the winner, after all, gets the Pudding of the Year title.

The guy who's the favourite every year, Alan O'Brien, took the title for the third time in five years, the prize of chocolate bars and cans of coke ensuring a good start to defending next year's event.

A superb turkey dinner at Monica and Friends in Chorley, followed by Christmas pud and loads of mince pies, and celebrations in the usual festive manner rounded off the day very nicely. Even the return of dark skies and rain failed to dampen the spirit of the occasion.

On Sunday the Easy Pace ride are off to Waddington, near Clitheroewhile the Medium Distance group's ride is the annual 'Holly Ride' of undetermined distance or location, all down to the runs secretary's whim of the day.

Meet at the Town Hall Square 9am. Tel: 01204 491595 for for information.