A WEE COUNTY town was lit up as residents took to their bikes for an annual ride adorned with as many lights as possible.

Clackmannan Development Trust held their annual Merry and Bright night cycle ride on Thursday, December 19, with nearly a dozen people dusting off their bikes to join the group on their festive journey.

A group of ten riders followed the qualified riders on a three-mile ride which left from Clackmannan Tolbooth before making their way to Alloa Tower.

They then looped back to Clackmannan where they were met with refreshments which they could enjoy while chatting.

Scott Bamford, one of the leaders, told the Advertiser it was a great night and that they are already looking forward to next year.

He said: “It went very well and I think we got lucky with the weather. We had gazebo set up at the end so that we could all get refreshed.

“We had 14 signed up but a family cancelled owing to the weather, but had a young man called McKenzie join us after getting written permission from his parents.

“He had been asking us persistently all week and he led the charge once we started. We also had a teacher from a local school there who joined us for the first time.

“It was very bright and colourful, so we got a good reception from the public and everyone had a really nice time.”

The group also teamed up with Pedal 4th who they met along the way to join on their travels.

Lesley Shaw, community development officer, told the Advertiser before the ride that joining forces was an important factor for them.

She said: “It's great to team up with the Pedal 4th community again – which is a NHS physiotherapy support group, for people who are experiencing/have experienced poor mental health who cycle as a method of recovery.

"The festive period can be a very joyful time for lots of people, but it can also equally be a very lonely, worrying time for others and we want to help support the work of Pedal 4th and benefits that cycling can offer to health and wellbeing.

"So let's not let the winter months be a barrier and let's get out as a group and have some fun. We would love to have more people join us this year.

It comes amid a busy time for the community group, who have just entered a new premises in the town following five years in the town hall.

Although not fully set up yet, the team of volunteers have been working hard to get the Main Street property functional ahead of the move-in date at the beginning of next year.

The group wished thanks to a number of people on Facebook for their help with the move, and promised there will be a party in January to celebrate.