WHEN Rathmell lost its primary school because of falling pupil numbers, veteran teacher Malcolm Spencer decided to get on his bike to prove that the community’s spirit is very much alive and well.

Malcolm, 73, is in the final stages of training for a sponsored cycle ride with a difference - he’s planning on racing round a seven-mile circuit taking in the fringe of the Yorkshire Dales National Park as well as the edge of the Forest of Bowland – and each lap he completes will raise funds for charity.

Every lap will also take Malcolm past the doors of Rathmell school - which closed last year - where villagers are now pushing ahead with plans to turn the former primary school premises into a new community hub.

Malcolm has been cycling since he was at primary school and he aims to start his first circuit as Rathmell’s Cappleside Farm opens its doors for an Open Farm Sunday on June 10.

Malcolm said: “I taught in a number of schools in Yorkshire, from Wetherby across to Bentham, and also taught in Manchester before moving here, so I wanted to support the village as well as give some backing to the Cave Rescue Organisation, which is such a worthwhile charity.”

To prepare for his big sponsorship effort Malcolm has been training every evening around the lanes leading from Giggleswick to Wham and Tosside. “I’ve been building up muscle strength to make sure I manage to get in a good few laps,” he said.

He will also have a secret weapon to help maintain his pace as the laps become more punishing - his son Jonathan will act as a cycling companion.

The proceeds from Open Farm Sunday are being generously donated by Cappleside Farm to go towards the cost of an emergency defibrillator, funded jointly by the parish council and Rathmell Reading Room.

Another life-saving initiative, the North West Blood Bike service, received donations of more than £200 from the Reading Room as a result of Rathmell’s ’Hidden Gems’ village walk earlier this month.

“This was a tremendous result and we are very grateful to Cappleside Farm and of course Malcolm for his tremendous effort on behalf of everyone in the community” said Reading Room Chairman Rosemary Rees.

“Malcolm is a classic ‘hidden gem’ if ever there was one here in the heart of the village. He cares about the community and he’s decided to do something about keeping it fresh and relevant, while also helping good causes,” added Rosemary.

Open Farm visitors can sponsor Malcolm at Cappleside Farm from 10am on the day, Sunday June 10, or by visiting the village website: rathmellvillage.org.uk