Get fit, save money and help make our district Cycling Capital of North West.

You may already have heard that Lancaster and Morecambe is one of just six places in the country to be named a ‘cycling demonstration town’.

This means we've got £1.5M of funding over the next three years to show how increased investment can encourage more people to use their bikes - and we want you to join in.

Here are a few ideas to help you on your way:

* Pick up a free Cycle for All guide from Lancaster and Morecambe Tourist Information Centres, most council buildings or by visiting the celebrating cycling website www.celebratingcycling.org. It provides at-a-glance information about six great local and easy rides for you, your friends and family to enjoy. Free cycling and walking maps are also available from the same places.

* Fancy learning how to ride your bike with greater skill and confidence? Perhaps you would like to know how to maintain your bike, fix a puncture or use your gears more effectively?

Pedal Power, a local recycling and training organisation, is offering new, intermediate and advanced cyclists, both young and old, a variety of training courses until October this year.

Courses are held at their headquarters on Caton Road, Lancaster. Maintenance courses will be held at varying locations in Lancaster and Morecambe. Some sessions are open to families. Courses cost just £10 for adults (waged) and £5 for un-waged adults and children. For booking details or to discuss your requirements, please call 01524 65328.

* Whether you’ve never ridden a bike before or are a seasoned pro, whether you’re wanting to beat the traffic and cycling to work or simply want to find somewhere safe to take the kids at the weekend, you can find out all you need to know at www.celebratingcycling.org or by contacting our Cycling Co-ordinator on 01524 582392

* You can also subscribe to receive the latest news by email. Simply send your request to celebratingcycling@lancaster.gov.uk and include the word ‘subscribe’ in the title.

Winning Back Morecambe’s West End are currently planning and designing improvements to the way that rubbish is collected in the West End.

A new system will be introduced with wheeled bins and recycling boxes which will reduce the amount of litter that is caused through ripped black sacks.

Name: Cliff Small, Funeral Director

Current position and responsibilities: Proprietor. Cliff has recently purchased the funeral business in Claremont Road, formerly known as ‘Caring Hands’. He has been a Funeral Director for 30 years and has another funeral home in Caton. Cliff is assisted by his wife Eileen and staff, who pride themselves on the 24 hour personal, caring attention they can offer as an independent, friendly, family run firm. They are able to offer full services including a Chapel of Rest. Cliff is always available to offer help and advice for anyone considering pre-paid funeral plans, such as ‘Golden Charter Funeral plans’ and ‘Help the Aged’ funeral plans. He is also able to help with the selection of headstones and memorials.

Tel: 424072

Interests outside work: Cliff and Eileen are active members of a local Church. Cliff lives in Bolton-le-Sands and is a loyal Morecambe FC supporter. He enjoys walking in the countryside with his wife and dog, and he also enjoys gardening and fishing when he gets the chance. On a personal note, he has two sons and seven grandchildren, who also keep him very busy.

Hopes for the future of the West End: Cliff said: “I’m very optimistic about the future of the West End. The redevelopment of the area should help to attract new people. I think this location is good for us because the street lends itself as we are surrounded by other professional services such as solicitors, accountants and estate agents, and there is plenty of parking outside the premises.”

Cliff Small Funeral Service

33 Claremont Road

Morecambe