THOUSANDS of cyclists descended on York for the 60th annual cycle rally.

Despite Saturday's rain, up to 13,000 cyclists, including families with young children, were in York for the annual rally on Knavesmire.

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Janet Looker, and the Sheriff of York, Bob Scrase, attended the annual service for cyclists at the Central Methodist Church in St Saviourgate yesterday morning.

After changing into T-shirts specially printed with their chains of office, they joined cyclists at the rally.

Coun Looker said: "It was wonderful to see so many people come together with their cycles and their gear celebrating the bicycle."

Commenting on the cyclists' service, the Sheriff added: "It was nice to be in a building where people aren't normally dressed in lycra shorts - I felt a bit overdressed."

At the rally, the thousands of cyclists watched a display by York's cycling police, as well as visiting the large number of stalls and displays.

Ken Harrison, 78, of Flamborough, said he had been coming to the rally for 20 years. This year, he was there with his son, grandson and granddaughter.

Pam Ashton, from Bradford, who also attends every year, said the event had been "brilliant".

York Cycle Rally chairman Pete Latarche said the rain had not dampened any spirits at the event, and more people had come than expected.

"It's gone very, very well," he said.

"We've had lots of visitors."

Updated: 10:45 Monday, June 28, 2004