Cyclists to follow Olympic torch in York

More than 200 cyclists are to escort the Olympic torch when it arrives in York as part of the torch relay.

Only two cities, York and Cambridge, have been granted permission to add a cycle escort to the relay by organisers.

Cyclists taking part will be chosen from local cycling clubs, the City of York Council said.

Organisers added that a competition, to be run in local papers, would also offer places for cyclists in the relay.

The cycle escort will pedal behind the main torch convoy as it heads into the city on 19 June.

The Labour-run council said it would be a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity for cyclists in the city.