CYCLISTS from Bolton got the chance to ride their bikes along one of the most famous streets in the country in 1990.

The Bolton contingent was taking part in one of the biggest charity bike rides ever seen in the region as part of Granada TV’s Wheels Appeal.

Around 7,000 riders braved regular downpours to cycle from Manchester to Blackpool.

Although the official start for the event was in Manchester’s Albert Square, these Bolton riders got the chance to visit the set of top TV soap Coronation Street before their marathon bike ride began.

They also got the best of the weather as the sun shone when they were greeted outside the Rovers Return by two of the Street’s most popular characters, Mavis and Derek, played by Thelma Barlow and Peter Baldwin.

The two stars brought along their own bikes and led a cavalcade along the cobbles before wishing the cyclists well on their travels.

It was hoped that the event would have raised thousands of pounds for a variety of North West charities including the Wythenshaw Hospital New Heart New Start Appeal and the British Heart Foundation.

The route took cyclists through Farnworth and Aspull before a lunch stop at the Camelot Theme Park at Charnock Richard, They then headed off to their final destination, the finishing line on Blackpool seafront.