THE annual Rake cycle race takes place in Ramsbottom on Sunday.

The riders set off at one minute intervals from outside the public library on carr Street. The first rider will set off at 12.30pm and go up the 947-yard course along the relatively flat part of carr Street and Tanners Street before the really gruelling part -- The Rake itself.

The finish is outside the gates to Emmanuel Church. The fastest rider gets to win a Fausto Coppi Torino pedal cycle valued at £600, plus, if Jeff Wright's course record of two minutes and 14 seconds is beaten there will be an additional cash prize of £100 and local hotel and restaurant the Old Mill have donated a year's subscription to their health club for anyone setting a new record.

There are 14 other cash prizes to be won. They will be handed out immediately after the race on the Shoulder of Mutton car park in Holcombe Village.

Furter details are available from the organisers, Ian and Jean Ainsworth of 19 Longridge Crescent, Bolton BL1 5QZ. Tel: 01204 843396.

The council have issued a road closure order for the race route. In effect, all traffic will be prohibited from 12 noon until the end of the race. The marshalls will ensure that is able to access and egress Springwood Lane towards the Old Mill and is able to move around the one-way street system without too much hindrance.