THE leader of a Teignbridge social cycling group was one of five nominations for the BBC Spotlight unsung sporting heroes award.

John ‘Pottsie’ Potts the ‘benign dictator’ of the Teign Valley Pedal Bashers did not win, but said he was delighted to have even been considered.

‘They came and filmed us on a mid-week ride from Kingsteignton to Bovey Tracey golf club, and it was a huge amount of fun.

‘The nomination was completely out of the blue, and it was nice to be included among all the people who do so much behind the scenes for their organisations,’ said John, 80, of Dawlish.

‘I guess I am a bit of an extrovert, so having the chance to talk about the bashers on camera to thousands of viewers, was just up my street! I started the group as an occasional add-on for the Teign Valley Hash House Harriers running group over 20 years ago, and none of us thought it would be going this long or become so popular.

‘I just love organising people – something I have done all my life.

‘We concentrate on cycling for fun all the year around and in all weathers, and have three organised rides a week, along with tours, home and abroad, and an off-road section. If you like cycling and enjoy a pint, or a coffee, then you are in.

‘The development of electric bikes has given a new lease of life to those of us suffering from joint problems – there are quite a few with new hips and knees – and means we can ride up steep hills instead of pushing.’

The group, which insists it is not a club because there are no rules, election of officers or annual meetings, has nearly 100 ‘members’, and is believed to be one of the largest of its kind in the country, catering from teenagers to over 80s.