HE may well be 83 years old, but that won't be stopping Old Town cyclist Denis Hedges from jumping into the saddle this weekend at one of the country's best-loved race tracks.

Denis will be the oldest participant amongst the hundreds of people taking part in the first Silverstone Time Trial Challenge which will be held on Sunday at the Northamptonshire circuit.

Born in 1933, Denis will join cyclists of all ages and abilities on the world famous race track for the day-long cycling festival.

Denis is keen cyclist who made headlines in 2013 after he cycled the length of the country in support of the Make A Wish Foundation, they charity paying  for his teenage grandson battling with cancer to swim with dolphins in Florida.

"I started time trialling in 1949," he said. "I got better and faster when I was 60! I have 'retired' several times but ride local club events."

He even celebrated a landmark birthday by taking part in a cycling event,

"I rode the Castle Coombe 10 mile circuit on my 80th birthday, followed by cycling from Land's End to John o'Groats solo a month later. It took me 11 days to complete it," he said.

Now he is gearing up for the 10-mile TT at the Silverstone Time Trial Challenge.

Speaking ahead of the event he said: "I am looking forward to the general atmosphere and perhaps meeting people I know.

"I am also looking forward to admiring the bicycles."

The challenge takes place on the iconic Silverstone racetrack and offers participants the chance to cycle on one of the world's best known tracks whilst raising funds for charity Operation Smile, an international medical charity which provides free surgeries to children in developing countries who are born with cleft lip, cleft palate or other facial deformities.

The event features a number of cycling options, including time trial events for individuals and teams, a family lap and a leisure ride.

There will also be an event village open to all, ensuring the whole family is entertained thanks to the chill out zone, children's entertainment, classic cars, silent cinema and a static bike challenge. Plus there is a great spectator viewing area for those watching the cycling events on the track.

To find out more about the Silverstone Time Trial Challenge and to register for the event, visit www.silverstonettc.org.uk