CityLife

Rickshaw riders pull the crowds

A TOUCH of the Orient brought Bank Holiday crowds into Oldham centre to enjoy the thrills and spills of the ancient sport of rickshaw racing.

The Rickshaw Grand Prix has become an eagerly anticipated event over the holiday weekend since it was first started five years ago. It is the only race of its kind in the north west.

Teams of three, including a driver, pedal the vehicles around a testing town-centre course, with spectators lining the route.

Mike Flanagan, chairman of Oldham's Town Centre Partnership said: "For anyone who's not seen the race before, it is an action packed afternoon that always promises lots of fun and excite ment.

"The Rickshaw Grand Prix is one of the highlights of the year and there is always a great deal of interest."

For added bank holiday value, the town's markets and shopping centres were open throughout the weekend.