RIDERS in Malvern paid homage to one of its most famous forefathers in the first Elgar Vintage Cycle Ride yesterday.

About 100 people turned out for the event which started at the Malvern Hills Hotel, British Camp, and finished at the Swan Inn in Newland.

The eight-mile route was held to raise money for Acorns and a defibrillator for Malvern Rugby Club.

Many wore vintage clothing and got in the saddle of a whole host of bikes including a yellow pre-Second World War model and even a penny farthing.

Organisers Nick and Tanya Trotman, who own Malvern Cycles, said the ride was to commemorate Elgar’s love of bikes.

“Elgar was a massive cyclist and bought his first bike in Malvern Link,” said Mr Trotman. “It just seemed to be a good idea. It’s been amazing. It’s good to see the kids getting involved. We hope to make it an annual event.”

North Malvern resident David Gray, aged 42, took part in the ride with his wife Hannah.

He said: “It’s a brilliant thing and an absolute pleasure to be associated with them. “We want to encourage more people out of their cars and onto bikes. “We both commute to Worcester from Malvern every day.”

Also in costume and riding a 1970s Dutch bike was 60-year-old Cora Weaver, who works at the Malvern Museum. “I am very keen on Elgar and his life,” she said. “I ride a bike a lot. This bike used to be ridden by a lady around Rome who gave it to me before she died. I think she would have really liked to know someone was keeping up her tradition riding around the hills.”