LIBRARY visitors in Leigh were left behind by their friendly Wigan rivals in the first inter-library bike challenge.

Leigh ‘cyclists’ clocked up 270.7 miles compared to 304.5 miles in Wigan as part of Health Week, which included scores of activities for visitors.

Andy Burnham MP attended an under fives’ storytelling session at Golborne Library which encouraged youngsters to take care of their teeth.

“Libraries are ideal places for people to find out more about healthy living and these types of events are definitely something I’d like to see more of,” he said.

“Health promotion and prevention have a major role to play in society.”

During the week health professionals from Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust were on hand to offer advice about weight loss, quitting smoking, how to eat more healthily and drinking sensibly.

Organiser Wendy Heaton from Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT), who manage libraries on behalf of Wigan Council, said: “The cycle challenge was particularly popular – a friendly competition between the two central libraries emerged throughout the week with both desperate to win.

“Health trainers have been visiting libraries, helping to change people’s lifestyles for the better. Having them in the libraries has increased their visibility and people have found the general health advice useful.”

A number of events were organised including a street dance demonstration at Wigan Library and a cookery demonstration at Hindley Library.

“The cookery demonstration proved so popular that the library is now planning a similar Christmas cookery event,” said Wendy Heaton.