Singer uses pedal power for pub tour

Singer/songwriter Paul Heaton is embarking on a cycling tour of the country - to celebrate the great British pub.

The former Housemartins and Beautiful South lead singer is doing a 1,000 mile round trip starting off at the Flying Horse in Rochdale today (5 May).

The trip celebrates two of the passions of the British public - cycling and pubs.

"I'm looking forward to pedalling around the country to promote cycling and the British pub," said the singer.

"Both are very close to my heart. I've been cycling all my life and the British pub has provided most of my favourite stop off points.

"It saddens me to hear about so many pubs closing on a weekly basis so I want to do all I can to get people back to their local."

But while cycling is rising in popularity, the pub is faring worse with, on average, at least 40 closing each week, as the smoking ban and the credit crunch keep customers away.

The closures mean that England now has a total of 52,000 pubs, down from a peak of 69,000.

In a slightly surreal start, Heaton will start his journey off with a quick half from the most famous - but most imaginary - Rovers Return in Manchester.

From there, he will cycle to Rochdale where he will give his first performance in The Flying Horse.

Heaton's band and touring team are following on and, in true troubadour fashion, staying in places they find on the way.

Fans are being encouraged to play their part too, by cycling to the gigs and joining the team as they travel around the country.