Fantastic news just in, Beckworth has been chosen to hold Stage Two of next year’s Grand Départ leg of the Tour De France. Beating stiff competition from towns in Belgium, Holland and Wales the 4 mile road race will be held in July 2014 and will include stages in the children’s playground (taking in cycling down the slide and jumping the seesaw) and a timed slalom course with bollards in Sainsco carpark. Local cyclist Bradley Wiggins said “it’s well cool that Beckworth holds the prestigious race. After all it is probably the birth place of cycling, what with the inventor of the Penny Farthing, James Starley, having had a camping hoiday here once.” More news about the race when I get it. Gary Grimsby. Mayor

(Above) Bradley Wiggins defending his lead in last year’s Tour De France