KEEN cyclists are resurrecting two historic clubs to keep fit and enter competitions.

Manningtree Wheelers Bicycle Club has been formed by a group of friends who regularly cycle together.

The group have been sponsored by the Brantham Bull and hope to continue Sunday morning social rides across Essex and Suffolk, and enter official events.

In the Semer Hill Climb, which was the club’s debut, Becky Ridge won a silver prize and Lewis Symes a bronze.

Club spokesman Darren Fearn said: “When we initially set up the club, it was brought to our attention that in the 1950s there were two clubs in the area called Manningtree Bicycle Club and the Brantham Wheelers.

“We decided an amalgamation of those names seemed appropriate.

“Some memorabilia of the original clubs can still be found in the Manningtree Library.

“Bonding the newlyformed club with the roots of the old club gave us a sense of belonging and now membership is growing and we have more than 25 active riders.”

For more information, or to join, go to britishcycling.org.uk