Singer seeks inn to push on bike tour

The former frontman of one of the 1990s' top bands is looking for a Shropshire pub to include in his cycling tour to promote traditional English hostelries.

Paul Heaton, ex-vocalist with Beautiful South, wants to include a pub within a 10-mile radius of Much Wenlock on his pedalling journey through England in May.

He will perform in the pub and encourage fans to cycle to the gig in a bid to raise the profile both of cycling as the greenest form of transport and of England's traditional pubs.

He said: "I'm looking forward to pedalling around the country to promote cycling and the British pub.

"Both are very close to my heart. I've been cycling all my life and the British pub has provided most of my favourite stop-off points. It saddens me to hear about so many British pubs closing, I want to do all I can to get people back into their local."

Heaton, 47, now a solo artist, was a member of Beautiful South who had a series of top five hits including Rotterdam and Song For Whoever before disbanding in 2007. He was previously lead vocalist with top '80s band The House Martins.

Heaton is planning to begin his 720-mile bike ride in The Rovers Return on the set of Coronation Street before pedalling through England to play 15 gigs, staying the night at the chosen watering holes.

Any Shropshire pubs within 10 miles of Much Wenlock interested in hosting a gig by Paul Heaton should e-mail pedalsandbeerpumps@sjm concerts.com