SMILES and laughter greeted an intrepid team of riders as they brought Victorian vintage bicycles back to life.

A dozen gallant cyclists, all dressed in historical costume, captured the fun and excitement of Knutsford Royal May Day Festival.

The Cheshire Wheelman and their antique bicycles have been taking part in the traditional pageant for more than 30 years.

Knutsford Guardian: Chris Hocking riding a bone shaker. These antique bikes were made in 1860 although this one is a reproductionChris Hocking riding a bone shaker. These antique bikes were made in 1860 although this one is a reproduction

Thousands of spectators lining the streets cheered and clapped as the team rode by.

Roger Turner, captain of the Knutsford-based Cheshire Wheelman, who rides a penny farthing, said: “It was fantastic, the crowds were great and very appreciative of what we do.

“It was the best ever, we all thoroughly enjoyed it.”

The group was founded by Glynn Stockdale 35 years ago, who opened a penny farthing museum at the Courtyard Coffee Shop.

Spectators were fascinated watching the riders master a range of old bikes including a bone shaker dating back to 1860.

“They like it when we get on and off the penny farthings because that is the drama, said Roger.

Knutsford Guardian: Muir Mennell riding a 1892 Peregrine diamond framed safety bicycleMuir Mennell riding a 1892 Peregrine diamond framed safety bicycle

“It is very precarious riding them. The slower you go the less momentum you have and the more likely you are to fall off.

“You can’t put your foot down like you can with a bike because you are so high up.

“There is no way of stopping it, you have to jump off.”

Riding ancient machines is an art.

Knutsford Guardian: Matt Freeman riding a reproduction 1885 Singer ordinary, better known as a Penny FarthingMatt Freeman riding a reproduction 1885 Singer ordinary, better known as a Penny Farthing

Roger said: “You have to scoot the machine along a bit and then put your foot on the peg on the spine that runs on the back wheel and climb up.

“As you climb up, the machine is slowing down, so to get into the saddle, you have to put your feet on the pedal and push hard to keep going.

“It was lovely hearing my name called out, I used to be a dentist and know a lot of people.

“Only thing is you can only take one hand off at a time to wave, otherwise you’d fall off.”

The group is keen to keep tradition alive.

Knutsford Guardian: Mike Peacock riding a 1875 Excelcior ordinary, better known as a penny farthingMike Peacock riding a 1875 Excelcior ordinary, better known as a penny farthing

“To have them in May Day and for parents to point them out to children is wonderful.

“It is a great education for everyone and lots of fun. We love it.”

Knutsford outgoing mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner rode a 1893 American Columbia Model 32 on The Heath.

Knutsford Guardian: Roger Turner rides a penny farthingRoger Turner rides a penny farthing

Cllr Gardiner said: “I had a fantastic time. It had no brakes but I didn’t fall off.”

Anyone interested in riding a penny farthing can leave details in a book at the coffee house.