IN PICTURES: Cramlington’s youth showcase and cycle challenge prove to be a success!

Cramlington Youth Activity Showcase and the Cramlington Cycle Challenge together created a great buzz in Manor Walks yesterday as crowds of people came to join in the fun.

The Cramlington Cycle Challenge, organised by Cramlington Town Council,  started off with a target of 114 miles – the distance of the Northumberland leg of the Tour of Britain – but that target was smashed within two hours and a new target was set of double that distance and that was reached too!

Over 70 people helped pedal the distance – an average distance of 3.25 miles each.

First to saddle up on the exercise bikes was 88-year-old Pat McWilliam from Southfield Green. Despite having suffered a broken pelvis Pat is a great advocate of being as mobile as possible saying  “This cycle challenge is a great idea – I intend keeping active for as long as possible.”

Local charities benefited to the tune of  £80 which was split between four local charities: Cramlington Dog Rescue, The Hope Centre, The Alzheimer’s Society  and Cramlington Voluntary Youth Project.

Phil Evans, general manager for Active Northumbria at Concordia Leisure Centre said: “I am very pleased how well accepted the event has been, there is a real community spirit about Cramlington and I believe Concordia should be a big part of it. We are looking forward to the opportunity to be involved in future events. ”

At the Youth Activity Showcase, organisations that involve Cramlington youngsters between the ages of 11-19 were invited to demonstrate what they do and provided information on the range of activities they offer.

Maggie Martin, Locality Coordinator for Cramlington, Bedlington and Seaton Valley with Northumberland County Council, in partnership with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said “It was fantastic to meet with a large number of organisations from Cramlington who provide a wide range of amazing activities for young people, there was everything from army cadets, princes trust, sports providers, poetry workshops to drama and the most amazing little dancers involved. I look forward to more events like this in future.”