CYCLISTS who completed a marathon ride from Bocholt in North Germany were delayed in their arrival in twin town Rawtenstall because of bad weather in the Peak District.

A team of twelve cyclists, all of whom work in the town hall in Bocholt, completed an 800-mile ride to celebrate 50 years of the twinning arrangement.

The Mayor of Rossendale, Coun Jimmy Eaton, agreed to rearrange a civic reception for them to the following night.

Coun Eaton thanked them for making the journey in the jubilee year of twinning and presented them with a picture to remind them of the hills of Rossendale.

The cyclists gave the mayor a wooden tray and six Bocholt schnapps tumblers.

They also presented Rossendale Road Club life member Harry Law with a club shirt which had a specially designed twinning anniversary logo on the back.

The logo represents Bocholt and its three twin towns plus the European flag.

Some of the cyclists have visited Manchester United's home ground of Old Trafford and they were planning to try to view some of the Commonwealth Games time trials before setting off home.