AN annual international racing event in Horwich has been given a big cash boost.

Horwich Carnival Races, which includes running and cycling, has been backed by Horwich Town Council.

Last year the council gave the race organisers £5,000 because of rising costs, and has pledged the same amount for next year’s event.

Neil Brown, chairman of Horwich Carnival Races, said: “We are grateful for the support from the town council and we hope next year’s event will be a success as ever.

“Cycling has become very popular and we may well see winners from this competition go on to be Olympic medallists in 2012.

“We have a strong emphasis on children and, with the roads being closed for races, it will be safe for them to take part.”

The races cost up to £20,000 to stage and attract athletes from all over the country.

Earlier this year it was feared that on-road events may have to be axed because police would no longer operate rolling road blocks. It meant that costly road closures were needed, but the council stepped in to help.

Horwich attracted international attention when the cycle races for the 2002 Commonwealth Games came to the town and Horwich Carnival Races has worked hard to expand the interest created.

A race has been named after the town council as an acknowledgement of its support.

Cllr Stephen Rock, leader of the council, said: “We are keen to support the races again.

“It is an international event and we want to keep it in Horwich. It brings in a lot of people and puts Horwich on the map.”

The races will include the Schools Challenge for eight to 11-year-olds, a women’s national circuit race and a men’s cycle race.

There will also be the British Masters national 5k running event, a fun run and the ever-popular one-lap cycle race.