A social cycling group celebrated Christmas by taking to the roads in festive fancy dress.

The group was set up by staff at Lobb’s Cycles, in Halstead High Street, in July as a fun alternative to more formal clubs and organisations.

Last Sunday, they decorated their bikes with tinsel and were even joined by a snowman as they road from Halstead town centre to the Flitch Way in Rayne.

Chris Lobb, who runs the shop with his dad Steve, said: “We started the club because not everyone wants to go to a cycling club where they ride 50 to 70 miles and take it seriously.

“We average 25 to 30 miles with a stop halfway at a tea room or pub and have a good chat with food and drink.

“Riders vary in age, from young Tom who is ten to Les who is 69.

“Everyone who has come said they had fun and that is what riding is all about, encouraging them to continue to ride.”

The group, which rides on Sundays, had 15 members taking part in the festive ride, but its current record is 37 cyclists.