HOBBY horse riders will be saddling up to attempt to break a world record as part of a golden weekend of celebrations in the Fens. The record attempt will cap the National Association of Vintage Cycle Club s 50th anniversary rally, which March Vintage and

HOBBY horse riders will be saddling up to attempt to break a world record as part of a golden weekend of celebrations in the Fens.

The record attempt will cap the National Association of Vintage Cycle Club's 50th anniversary rally, which March Vintage and Veteran Cycle Club has been chosen to stage.

It will take place in Upwell tomorrow and Sunday.

Fourteen people will line up on pedestrian hobby horses - pedal free bicycles dating back to the 1820s - next to one another, before holding on to the handlebars of horses either side of them. They will then lift their feet off the floor . . . and hold their balance.

The record, standing at nine riders, was set at the NAVCC's annual rally in Southampton in 2003.

Colin Bedford, rally organiser and MVVCC chairman, said: "It does not sound many, but when you stop and think that over the world there are not many horses left, to get 14 to the rally is an achievement."

The rally starts tomorrow morning with a group of 30 going on a bus trip to Collector's World in Downham Market.

The first cycle ride will go through Upwell, Outwell and Friday Bridge.

The evening will see a dinner and dance at Upwell village hall, with guest speaker Jayne Llewellyn-Smith, deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire.

A further three rides will take place on Sunday, starting at 10.30am, noon, and 2.15pm, before a display by the Dandy Chargers hobby horse riding team in Upwell playing field.

The world record attempt will take place at 3.15pm before trophy presentations, including best bike and costumed rider for men, women, boys and girls, best restored bike, and the most meritous ride.

Mr Bedford said: "It will be the most spectacular vintage cycle event ever held in Britain.