REGGAE music, burger vans and more than 50,000 people descended on Rivington as the Commonwealth Games moved out of Manchester for the mountain bike event.

The picturesque village was swamped with spectators all hoping to catch a glimpse of muddy competitors making their way around the course.

Canada's Chrissy Redden took advantage of a puncture suffered by the pre-race favourite, Caroline Alexander of Scotland, to claim the gold in the women's mountain biking.

Residents, who are used to noisy motorbikes making their way to the beauty spot on weekend runs, as TV crews from across the world put the spotlight firmly on the village.

Pensioner Nel Makinson could practically see the start line from her home in Rivington Lane.

She said: "It's marvellous that we have been placed firmly on the map.

"It's a real privilege.

"We had a lovely day on Saturday.

"My daughter came up from London with her children and they brought teddy bears back with them."

A group of schoolchildren from Rivington Park High were equally as enthusiastic about the event as they cheered riders through the finishing line.

Sam Bradley-Green, 10, said: "It's really cool because I have been seeing lots of people from around the world -- like the Welsh and people with funny accents."

Matthew Langley, also 10, said: "It's really exciting to be here. We used to rule all these countries.

"I think it's really cool but I think we should try and beat them and show them who is boss."

Chris Mellor, of Knowle House Nursing and Residential Home, works right next to the start line and was not as keen on the Commonwealth circus which descended on the village.

She said: "A lot of the elderly people have complained about the noise.

"It ran all day on Saturday until 6.30pm. Reggae music is not everybody's cup of tea.

"We have even had to change the staff rotas and the staff work 13 hour shifts so they can make it before the start and leave after the finish."

Many of the people, however, were pleased with the increase in population.

Phyllis Sunter runs the Great House Barn, a cafe and visitor centre on Rivington Lane.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted. I wish we could have this more often. Everybody seems really happy and people are smiling all the time."

Andy Staveley, 41, lives in Rivington Lane and he said: "I think it's a real privilege to have it here. They've kept us all informed with what is going on.

"The only problem is with the car, but it's quite nice not to have to use it."

Simon Taylor, 22, from Horwich, said: "It's absolutely brilliant. There are crowds of people here and there's such an atmosphere.

"It's a real privilege to have it here so all the world can see what a nice part of the country we live in."

Nick Oberg, 26, from Horwich, said: "It's absolutely great. I can't believe how many people have come. I just hope that all the Aussies I have seen will go home and say what a great place this is."

Romanna Kowolczuk is a volunteer from Westhoughton just down the road.

She said: "It's absolutely brilliant. I was here on Saturday and the crowds were huge.

"There are loads of families here and they have come down for a big picnic. It's absolutely lovely."

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