'HIGH-class' professional cycle-racing returns to Wirral tomorrow - for the first time in more than half a century.

More than 140 people will take part in The Leverhulme Grand Prix, staged in Birkenhead Park, competing in a series of races.

Apart from elite racing, there will be races to suit a range of different levels as well as events for women and juniors.

Race headquarters will be Birkenhead Park Rugby Club and the races will start and finish in the Upper Park from 9.30am-4.30pm.

It will be the first time Wirral has hosted such a racing event in over half a century.

The borough has a distinguished history of staging professional cycle racing with Wallasey a regular venue until the 1960s, while New Brighton once held the World Championships as far back as 1922.

The event is the brainchild of Pedalare, a Wirral organisation promotes cycling as a healthy leisure pursuit.

It has teamed up with Birkenhead North End Cycling Club and British Cycling to bring the event to the area.

Leverhulme Estates is the event's principal sponsor, along with The Bike Factory, Bikeline and Arrivee Performance Clothing.

Looking forward to the event Nigel McGurk, of Leverhulme Estates, said: "We are delighted to give our support to help stage this event on the Wirral.

"While it will be fantastic to see some of the best cyclists in the UK compete in Birkenhead Park, we are equally keen on the wider health and wellbeing benefits this showpiece event will have in terms of encouraging young people and their families to take up cycling."

Birkenhead MP Frank Field said: "What a stunning example of how to bring together cycling, entertainment, and education to help children in Birkenhead develop their creativity and remain active."

In addition to the cycling, several independent businesses, including food and drink, have agreed to take stalls at the event.

The total prize fund of more than £2,500 has already attracted racers from across the UK, including the Isle of Wight.

Andy Mills, a director of Pedalare, said: "We are hugely excited to be bringing top-class professional cycling back to the Wirral after a gap of over 50 years.

"While the elite racing will be a particular highlight of the day, we have ensured that many other categories of cyclists are able to participate too, including a paracycling race and family ride at the end of the race programme."

Geoff Brandt, from Birkenhead North End Cycle Club, said: "As a racing club we are really happy to be able to showcase what we do to bring young riders into racing.

"It's great to see the parks coming back to its former glory."

Aside from the main Grand Prix event, there are categories for juniors, women and paracycling.

The 2.5 mile traffic-free route will be open to the public for leisure cycling between 4pm and 6pm.