THE success of Britain's cyclists in 2012 has resulted in a massive surge of interest in the sport here in the Dean.

Matt Heaman, chairman of the Dean Forest Cycling Club, says his club's membership is now at an all-time high, with new people joining all the time.

He believes it's largely down to the success of the British Cycling team at the London Olympics and Bradley Wiggins's victory on the Tour De France.

The 'Wiggo effect' has even forced the club to launch its own youth section for the first time, just to tap into and manage the vast pool of local talent. This week, Neil Goddard became the club's first ever youth team coach.

Chairman Matt Heaman, who has been involved in cycling for more than 30 years, said: "We're definitely seeing a positive bounce after everything that's happened this year and interest in our club has never been higher. Cycling is now a mainstream sport."

The Dean Forest Cycling Club established the Junior Mountain Bike Series this year, which attracted 75 riders.

Mountain biking is proving particularly popular, with events such as the Enduro and the Wild Boar Challenge regularly attracting hundreds of riders from all over the country.

Matt said: "When I first started it was hard to find a club.

"Now, we've got a lot of initiatives just for young people.

"British Cycling recognises us as a Go Ride club and can't really believe how good an event we can put on."