MAD ABOUT THE BIKES: Cycling fever hit Waveney this week as hundreds of people attended events organised as part of the countdown to the Tour Of Britain.

As the excitement built ahead of this Sunday's first stage of the eight-day professional race, a cycle roadshow visited Royal Plain in Lowestoft on Monday and Southwold boating lake and caf� on Tuesday.

Visitors were able to test their pedal power in a series of challenges and take advantage of free bike checks and minor repairs, and Tour of Britain prizes and promotional giveaways were available.

The roadshow, which ran from 11am until 7pm on both days, moved on to Leiston, Woodbridge and was due to arrive in Ipswich today.

A spokesman for Suffolk County Council, which organised the events, said: 'The response we've had has been very positive indeed. More than 120 people came and had their bikes serviced in Lowestoft and Southwold and 70 bikes were security marked by local safer neighbourhood teams.

'We've also had a lot of positive interest in the tour coming to the area and the best places to see the ride.'