A former national cycling champion has been talent spotting in Bradford at a beginners holiday programme for children.

Chris Young, 45, of Keighley, has been holding the session at Richard Dunn Sports Centre this week for half-term and will hold another tomorrow.

Mr Young, who works for British Cycling, said the sessions so far have been very successful.

He said: “Every year we get more and more but we can only take so many on a course.

“We have been having 40-45 children coming along, up to the age of about 16.

“What I am looking for is young Olympic hopefuls – I am always on the look-out for young Olympic hopefuls and when they come on these courses, that is when they get noticed.

“We have spotted quite a few in Bradford, up to World Championship level and I think in 2012 they are expecting to be riding in the Olympics.

“In Yorkshire we have got quite a lot of good riders.”