WALLINGFORD'S festival of cycling is to double in size when it returns to the town this year.

Last year's debut event attracted TV crews from Midsomer Murders, who captured footage of elite riders and novices taking part in a series of races around the town.

The Wallingford Festival of Cycling is back for a second year on Sunday, June 26 and this year's day of cycling events will include racing, demonstrations and mountain bike rides.

Festival spokesman Nigel Rayner said last year more than 1,000 people took part in events ranging from children’s races to an elite level race around the town centre circuit that was watched by an estimated 4,000 spectators.

This year 7,500 people are expected to watch the races.

Mr Rayner added: "We are hoping the number of people taking part will go up to about 2,300, which is more than double, and the number of spectators will increase as well."

Event organiser Tony Sefton added: "One of the key aims of the festival is to encourage participation in as many levels and types of cycling as possible.

"We were delighted with the response last year and we are aiming to go up a gear in 2016.

"It was great to have last year’s festival used as a backdrop for Midsomer Murders and we are planning to go even better this year by increasing the range of events people are able to join in with including a target 400 children in our children’s races."

A circuit is being created around the town centre and races will include a 25-minute race for regional and national youth cyclists for a trophy named after crime writer Agatha Christie, who lived in Winterbrook House until her death in 1976.

The 2016 programme includes a Penny Farthing race, children’s races, a company’s race, organised road and mountain bike sportives and a 50 mile Tour de France-style road race.

In the run-up to the festival cycle shop Rides on Air in St Martin’s Street is offering cyclists the chance to park free of charge in its bike ‘park’.

Spectators will be encouraged to cycle to the event, with secure free bike storage available on the day for up to 2,000 cycles.

Organisers are looking for about 200 volunteer helpers to move barriers and help with road closures.

For further information visit wallingfordfestivalofcycling.co.uk