WHEELS spun, bells rang and brakes squealed as hundreds of cyclists filled the snickleways and streets of York this weekend for the 57th York Rally Cycle Show.

Cyclists young and old on bicycles large and small packed into the city for the annual pedal-powered bonanza, based at the Knavesmire Racecourse.

For keen cyclists the weekend's highlight was the Ron Kitching Memorial Ride which began in York and took many of Yorkshire's top club riders on a challenging 150km route through the North York Moors.

Money raised from the event, held in memory of the former Harrogate resident, long distance rider and York Rally co-founder, will go towards the Cyclists' Defence Fund.

Others enjoyed guided rides for all abilities in and around the city as well as a fun racing events, a demonstration spinning class, a second-hand bike auction and the York Minster Cyclists' Service.

At Stockton-on-the-Forest a Jubilee carnival filled the village with noisy and colourful revellers on Saturday.

A procession lead by Huntington Scout Band and including a carnival queen dressed in white with blue and red roses, paraded through the village from Stockton Hall to the village hall.

At the hall a garden party-style event was held with a fancy dress competition, entertainment from Uncle Mal (Mal Sanderson) and the 1066 singers as well as stalls, competitions, cream teas and a barbecue.

Vicky Gilbert, chair of the Carnival Committee, said the annual event was "perfect" and a great success.

Meanwhile in Tollerton, near Easingwold, a Jubilee picnic held on the village green on Saturday attracted over 200 people.

The picnic, which featured a magician, balloonist, face painting and music, was part of an all-day event organised by the parish council.

In the evening over 100 people packed the Village Hall for a barn dance.

Parish councillor Sue Jackson said the day was "brilliant." She said: "It was more than we expected. It was fantastic and everybody had a great time."

Girl football fans in York had the chance on Saturday to take their frustration at England shock defeat to Brazil.

A five-hour event, organised by the City of York Girls' Football League for girls between the ages of eight and 16, was staged at Hopgrove playing fields to allow girl enthusiasts to show off their soccer skills.

It included coaching for all abilities and a chance to join in a match. The highlight was a tournament involving several local girls' clubs.

Updated: 08:51 Monday, June 24, 2002