THERE is a new headline sponsor for the race for budding riders before the annual Colne Grand Prix.

This year’s recently-renamed Sprint for Success race on Wednesday, July 16, from 7pm, will be sponsored by Simonstone business, Fort Vale Engineering.

The firm, founded in Nelson in 1967 recently relocated to the Ribble Valley.

Fort Vale general manager Shaun Laycock, a keen cyclist , said: “We have a lot of cyclists among our 350 plus employees.

“We have a very successful apprenticeship programme for young engineers and that’s why it made sense for us to sponsor the race for up and coming riders.”

The company will be out in force for Sprint for Success , including apprentice training manager, Alan Emerton.

Pendle councillor Paul White said: ““It’s brilliant that a world leader in engineering, established in Pendle, is backing this race and investing in cycling in Pendle.”