A TOP cyclist and former Ilkley brownie and guide visited girls in Addingham ahead of the Tour de Yorkshire to talking about her racing career.

The 2nd Addingham Brownies welcomed Ilkley Cycle Club and Team WNT Elite Women's Cycle Team member Brit Tate along to their meeting last week. Brit, who was a Brownie and a Guide in Ilkley, came along to talk to the girls about her racing career ahead of the Tour de Yorkshire.

The girls are working on their Brownie Cyclist Badge.

Brit and one of the Brownie's parents, Nigel Muttick, talked to the girls about the importance of road safety whilst cycling, how to look after their bikes and how to repair a puncture.

Brown Owl and Rombalds District Commissioner, Jane Winter, said: "The girls enjoyed listening to Brit's stories about racing and how much she enjoys cycling. We will be cheering Brit on next week in the Tour de Yorkshire when she competes in the ladies race in York on May 2."

"Guiding in Rombalds District is as strong as ever and it is wonderful that an 'old girl' like Brit was happy to take some time out of her busy schedule to come along to help us for an evening. Offering such a variety of activities to the girls is what we do best and although we are urgently in need of new leaders, we are always grateful for anyone who can take an hour or so out of their busy lives to come along and inspire the girls."

Local people who have a couple of hours to spare and a skill to offer - or just an unusual experience to talk about - would be made very welcome.

To find out more about Girlguiding visit girlguiding.org.uk and to find out about Girlguiding in Wharfedale go to ilkley.org and look at the clubs and societies section.