Patience certainly proved to be a virtue when Southend Wheelers Cycling Club held their annual prize presentation.

Riders of all ages came together to collect their prizes for their achievements during 2002, a year in which the club received an Awards for All lottery grant.

The evening belonged to Jenny Patience, who received the Cecil 10 mile shield for the fastest club lady.

She also won two trophies for the fastest female in both the Wednesday evening scratch league and veterans league.

During the season Jenny, who only started cycling a few years ago, broke all the ladies club records -- for 10, 25 and 50 miles -- the latter being smashed no less than three times.

Not content with this she finished second overall in the Ladies National CTC Best All Rounder competition, again setting new records for 10, 25 and 50 miles.

She also finished 14th overall in the Ladies National Best British All Rounder competition.

Other prize winners included Edward Knowler (junior), winner of the most improved rider award, with his father Arthur receiving the Club Best All Rounder Trophy.

Bob Barber was club road race champion and Kevin Barker the winner of the Hill climb championship and the club cyclocross cup.

Phil Holloway collected the best club rider in the Essex Road Race League prize while Roy Godbeer, at 73 years of age, won an award for the best placed club rider in the Age Related Championships in the League of Veteran Racing Cyclists.

Anyone interested in cycling and joining Southend Wheelers should contact the club secretary Chris Hutson on 01268 511890 or look at their website at www.southendwheelers.org

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