PRO-riders taking part in the Redditch Tour Series this May took time out of their busy schedules to meet schoolchildren in the town.

The Redditch Ovo Energy Tour Series is just seven weeks away and returns to the town on 10 May.

Professional riders Ben Manfield-Yorke from Morvelo Basso and local girl Beth Crumpton from Storey Racing helped launch the series at an event at the Kingfisher Shopping Centre on Wednesday, March 21, following it up with a visit to Matchborough First School Academy and St Stephens C of E School where hundreds of local children got the opportunity to quiz the riders on road safety, training and what it's like to be in a race.

Beth Crumpton said: "It's fantastic to get out and meet so many enthusiastic and excited young people.

"It's an honour to go into schools and talk about a sport I am so passionate about – seeing young people get inspired to cycle more.

"I always love racing in Redditch because it's my hometown. Racing on the day makes all the training worthwhile. It's nice to see familiar faces as everyone comes out to watch and cheer."

Ben Manfield-Yorke added: "I'm so excited to ride the course for the first time - everyone says it's amazing, especially the technical corner."

Fiona Fazey from Kingfisher Shopping Centre said: "We are very proud to be a headline sponsor again for the seventh year of the Redditch Tour – it's great to see spectators coming out and enjoying the day and we are very much looking forward to the 10 May."

Worcestershire County Council is also offering a range of sponsorship opportunities and hospitality tickets. For information contact Lorna Jeynes on LJeynes@Worcestershire.gov.uk or 01905 843493.