Thousands of cyclists join Blackpool Illuminations ride

About 12,000 cyclists have taken part in a ride along the length of Blackpool's Illuminations as part of an annual precursor to the switching on of the famous lights.

Ride The Lights saw the town's Promenade shut to traffic on Tuesday night to allow riders of all ages to take a cycling tour of the lights.

The event has been an annual fixture of the Illuminations since 2006.

The lights will be officially turned on by Olympic medallists Sophie Hosking, Max Whitlock, Beth Tweddle, Greg Rutherford and Luke Campbell on Friday.