Cycling fans of all ages are being encouraged to jump in the saddle and learn about the exciting sport of racing.

Local bike shop chain Pedal Revolution has teamed up with the Great Yarmouth Bike Project to run the free four week introductory course, which will cover all elements of the sport in a fun, traffic-free environment.

Budding Bradley Wiggins and fledgling Laura Trotts of all abilities are being invited to sign up for the course, which gears up in November, and urged to get their names down quickly as there are only 50 places available.

The Pedal Revolution team, alongside Great Yarmouth Cycling Club, has a large fleet of road racing bikes and helmets that will be available for free loan.

The bike project has enjoyed a hugely successful summer season from its base on Marine Parade, and over the holidays has helped scores of local residents back into the saddle, while coaching others to improve their technique and confidence on two wheels.

The race school is being offered for free thanks to funds raised by the Tour de Broads, which whipped through the county in September, one of many events organised by ActivatingCIC - the group behind the bike project.

Neil Turner, coach at ActivatingCIC, said he was excited about the new project.

'The Pedal Revolution Race School offers an introduction into cycle racing for all ages. We have designed a four week programme that will excite, challenge and boost confidence,' he added.

'Our aim is to ignite a passion for our sport in every participant and offer them the chance to be a safer and more confident rider everyday on the road.

'You can even come and borrow a road racing bike so the project is open to the whole community.'

Simon Elliott, from ActivatingCIC , runs the Yarmouth bike project and said the race school was an obvious next step for the scheme.

He added: 'The race school is a natural progression from our usual Saturday morning activities where local residents can come and use our bike workshop, learn to ride or develop new skills and build their own bike to take away – all for free.

'We have had so many requests about racing and now we can offer the first step on ladder to 50 new riders.'

The school is being held on four consecutive Saturdays, starting on November 8, at a new circuit on Yarmouth promenade. Sessions will be aimed at new and improving adult riders and at youngsters aged nine-14.

To apply for a free place visit www.pedalrevolution.co.uk

? If you want to learn to ride for the first time, or develop technique and confidence, visit the Great Yarmouth Bike Project every Saturday from 9am - midday.

Search for the Great Yarmouth Bike Project on Facebook for more details.