Former steel worker inspires opera Cycle Song

A former steel worker from Scunthorpe has inspired a community opera ahead of the London 2012 Olympics.

Brumby Hall is staging a two-day show called Cycle Song, written by Barnsley poet Ian McMillan and composer Tim Sutton.

Albert 'Lal' White, the subject of the show, was a steel worker by day and at night trained as a cyclist.

At the 1920 Olympics Games in Antwerp he won a silver medal in the 4,000m cycling team pursuit.

He won numerous other medals and trophies throughout his career.

White's story is being hailed as an inspiration for future sporting hopefuls.

Albert 'Lal' White was a steel worker by day and by night cycled

Mr McMillan said of the show: "It's to say, look anywhere can do this, anywhere can create Olympic heroes.

"Hopefully this will put Scunthorpe on the map for cycling."

More than 1,500 local people are taking part in the outdoor production to reflect the cyclist's career and life.

Cycle Song has been described as an ambitious opera, capturing White's spirit and determination, whilst celebrating the forthcoming Olympics.

White, who started work at Lysaught's steelworks in Scunthorpe as a moulder in his late teens, went on to work at the Appleby Frodingham Works in the town.

After a day's work he was often seen training on his bike or competing in races.

He died in 1965, aged 75.

The production is part of the <link> <caption>London 2012 Festival</caption> <altText>London 2012 Festival</altText> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/2012/festival" platform="highweb"/> </link> , which is a 12-week, nationwide programme of arts events running alongside the London 2012 Olympics.