CYCLISTS from St Helens and Knowsley will help make cycling history on Wednesday, June 21 with the launch of the link of a national cycle network.

They are among thousands of cyclists riding routes all over the country, which when placed together, form the first 5,000 miles of the national network, launched as part of the Millennium Festival of Cycling.

The ride through St Helens and Knowsley is being staged by the two authorities as part of their joint Travelwise Campaign. Named the Longest Ride on the Longest Day, it will see cyclists of all ages taking part.

The celebrations will begin with a reception at St Helens Town Hall with Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Pat Robinson. The riders will break a banner at 10.30am to mark the start of a route which will travel through Halewood Park and into Liverpool City Centre.

They ride will break for a buffet lunch at Halewood Park Visitor Centre, where Mayor of Knowsley, Councillor Bob Maguire, will unveil a Millennium milepost.

The group will complete the ride in grand style at the Liverpool Cycle Show at St George's Hall, where they will attend a VIP reception at 3.30pm and receive commemorative certificates.