A SURPRISE party was held in Keighley to celebrate the 80th birthday of a volunteer cycling stalwart.

Family, friends and colleagues of Judy Robinson staged the tribute at historic East Riddlesden Hall.

And there was a special video message from Otley-based world champion cyclist, Lizzie Armitstead.

Judy – one of the oldest volunteers with British Cycling's Breeze programme, which runs social bike rides for women – had planned to call at the hall for a coffee with fellow riders during one of their regular outings.

But a British Cycling team had worked secretly alongside her daughter Wendy to host the celebration, including a special cake, photo collage of Judy's most memorable times as a Breeze 'champion' and the message from Lizzie Armitstead.

Judy became a volunteer champion five years ago and has since led hundreds of bike rides across the district.

She had cycled as a young woman but admits she was initially unsure about returning to the saddle.

"I loved the idea of getting back on a bike but was scared and lacking in confidence as I didn't know anyone who would ride with me at my speed and distance – that was until I found out about Breeze," she said.

"Whilst I can't go as fast or as far as I could when I was 20, taking part in these rides has helped me find women who are quite happy to go at my pace.

"I've made many friendships and it's got me out and about.

"It really has done me so much good, it's unbelievable.

"That's what inspired me to become a champion – I wanted to give something back.

"I am no different to your average couch potato, but riding my bike to the best of my own personal ability makes me feel so alive.

"If my enthusiasm can get more women – young and old – riding a bike and experiencing the sheer joy and satisfaction that I get, I am doing my job right."

Tribute is paid by Becki Morris, the women's cycling project manager with British Cycling.

"Judy is one of our oldest champions and we wanted to do something special for her 80th as our way of saying thank-you for everything she has done for Breeze and the women she's helped over the last five years."

Since it was launched in 2011, Breeze has helped thousands of women onto bikes.

Visit breezebikerides.com for more details.