Home-coming parade for Colne cycling hero Steven Burke

The former Park High Pupil nicknamed the “Colne Cyclone” will begin at Colne Railway Station at 2pm before heading up Albert Road for a lap of the town centre in an open-top car.

He will then stop at the town hall to be greeted by the Mayor of Pendle Coun. Asjad Mahmood and Pendle Council’s Executive Director for Regeneration and President of British Cycling, Brian Cookson, for an interview.

Twenty-four-year-old Burke struck gold at the London Games h securing a winners’ medal along with Ed Clancy, Peter Kennaugh and Geraint Thomas in the men’s team pursuit in the Olympic Velodrome.

A banner has been put up in the town congratulating him on his achievement - this on top of the Freedom of Pendle he has already been granted, the painting of a post box in gold and stamps produced in his honour by Royal Mail.

Steven said: “I’m proud of my achievement and my team mates and I’m proud of my home town.

“It’s been a fantastic experience.

“There was a lot of pressure on us as we knew how good the Aussies were, the Kiwis and other teams.

“I respect anybody I ride against. We knew it would take a world record to win the team pursuit.

“As an ambassador of Cycle Sport Pendle, I really hope it inspired others to get into cycling.”

If you have a question you would like to ask Steven, Pendle Council is offering you the chance when Brian Cookson interviews him.

Brian has seen Steven grow from a youth racer at Manchester Velodrome to an established Olympian.

Brian said: “Steven is a real credit to his family and an inspiration to many, particularly people in his hometown.

“I’m proud to have the job of interviewing Steven about his Olympic experience.”

It was the idea of Pendle Council Leader, Coun. Joe Cooney, to invite residents to put forward their questions for Steven.

Coun. Cooney said: “I wanted to open up the interview to everyone who has been inspired by Steven and his team mates’ success.

“Using the council’s social media channels, we’re inviting anyone to put forward a question for Steven.

“The best ones will be used during Brian’s interview with Steven on Saturday afternoon.”

If you have got a question you’d like to put to Steven, you can send it to Pendle Council:

Through Twitter – tweet @PendleBC using the hashtag #askburke

On Facebook – write your question on Pendle Council’s wall.

All questions must be received by noon on Friday to be in with a chance of being put to Steven Burke during his golden homecoming to Colne tomorrow.