Keen cyclists in Felixstowe are being offered the chance to become qualified Ride Leaders and support new or less confident cyclists to get out on the road.

Ahead of the Tour of Britain in September that starts and finishes in Felixstowe, East Suffolk Council has teamed up with British Cycling to offer two free courses in Ride Leadership to those that live in East Suffolk.

The courses are open to cyclists who are confident riding in a group, with a good level of fitness and great communication skills.

The course is a single day in-person course, followed by two half days of online learning and first aid. Applicants must live in East Suffolk, be over the age of 18 and commit to delivering a minimum of eight led rides in a year.

Be a ride leader (Picture: ESC)

In return, participants will receive a Ride Leadership Awards Level 1 Course qualification, free 30-day access to British Cycling Learning, a three-hour first aid course, free British Cycling ride membership and ongoing support from the British Cycling Recreation and Regional teams. Branded kit will also be available on completion of the course and delivery of the first led ride.

Cllr Katie Graham, East Suffolk's cabinet member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism said: "As part of the programme of activities surrounding the Tour of Britain, which is returning to East Suffolk in September, we want to encourage new and beginner cyclists to get out on their bikes.

"Taking part in a led ride and cycling with a qualified and competent Ride Leader is a great way to do this. The Ride Leadership courses are open to all enthusiastic cyclists who would like to support new and returning cyclists of all ages."

The courses are taking place at:

Brackenbury Sports Centre, Felixstowe on Saturday 5 August

Waterlane Leisure Centre, Lowestoft on Sunday 20 August

The fifth day of the Tour of Britain, the UK's longest-running and most prestigious international cycle race, will culminate along the Suffolk coastline in the shadows of Felixstowe's pier and world-famous port on Thursday 7 September.