OVER 3,000 visitors flocked to Minehead’s town centre on Sunday for the first Festival of Wheels cycle races for 22 years - and enjoyed what the organisers called a “sporting triumph” and “a wonderful day out”.

The town centre was closed off by 1,200 metal barriers around the Avenue, North Road and Blenheim Road for everything from serious professional-standard racing to families having fun on scooters, skateboards – and anything else on wheels.

“Some people said Minehead couldn’t put on an event like this,” said Neil Arnold, chairman of one of the organisers, Minehead Cycling Club.

“Well, we have – and it was a super success."

Timed to coincide with visitors arriving on the Flying Scotsman excursion, the event was supported by £9,000 of sponsorship from local traders.

Chamber of Commerce vice-chairman and Minehead Events Group member Graham Sizer said: “Despite the windy weather there was a real holiday atmosphere, with people sitting in track-side cafes enjoying the spectacle of top riders hurtling round the town.

“Restaurants and cafes were packed out and town traders reported a really good day.

“After the disappointments we’ve had losing events like the Red Arrows, this was something to put a smile back on the face of the town.

“We can’t wait to do it all again next year.”

Full reports and pictures in the Free Press