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Ever since Victorian times cyclists have enjoyed long hazy summer nights whizzing around their custom-built track in shadow of Roundhay Mansion.

Only the world wars have interrupted the popular evening meetings.

For decades the West Riding Track League's races have attracted Britain's top track cyclists, including the current crop of highly successful Team GB cyclists.

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But after more than a century of racing, crisis talks had to be held after the departure of the leagues long-standing organiser threatened to put the brakes on the future of one of the city most venerable sporting institutions.

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Until Mandy Parker stepped up.

Mrs Parker has spent many a summer night watching as her husband and son took part in the races on the purpose-built grass track.

Despite having no experience in sports administration she has decided to saddle herself with the responsibility becoming the new organiser of the historic league to save it from going out of existence.

The crisis came about as Matthew Payne, organiser of the track league for 11 years, has had to step down due to other commitments within the sport.

Mandy told Roundhay Today: "After spending many a sunny evening enjoying watching my husband and son race, and all the fun the children have on racing nights, I couldn't allow the league to close.

"Although it is a little daunting to take over such a well run organisation, with the promises of support and help from all those involved, I hope to follow in the capable footsteps of Matthew and continue to develop the league.

"It is also hoped that we can run a regional championship for adults and children sometime in July".

The banked course was built in the early 1890s within the amphitheatre below the Mansion House in Roundhay Park.

West Riding Track League was formed at the end of the Second World War and promotes the summer-long track league as well as officiating at various open track meetings

The league caters for all ages and abilities and Mandy would like more juniors and seniors come along.

Many of the league's riders have gone on to compete in top-level competition, indeed some of the cream of talent for the Beijing and London Olympics took their first pedal strokes in anger on the track at Roundhay.

This summer's meetings are on June 15 and 22; July 6,13, 20 and 27 and August 3 and 10

Entries cost £7 for seniors, £5 for juniors and £3 for juveniles.