A long-standing former weekly editor who retired last year has proved there is life outside journalism by starting a mobile bicycle repair service.

Malcolm Hoddy retired from his role at the helm of the Keighley News, the Ilkley Gazette and the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer last September after 47 years in the industry.

But rather than putting his feet up in his retirement, Malcolm joined Safe 2 Cycle, a Bradford-based cycle training company run by his wife Francine, to teach people how to ride a bike.

And he also went back to school to complete a residential training course and become a City & Guilds professional bicycle mechanic.

After achieving the new qualification, Malcolm has set up mobile repair service Safe 2 Repair as a new arm of the Safe 2 Cycle business.

Passionate cyclist Malcolm told the Keighley News: “Figures show the number of people cycling in Bradford district has doubled, and numbers will increase even more during the next few years.

“We know there are people of all ages and abilities who would love to get back in the saddle, but can’t because of a problem with their bicycles.

“Their bikes are laid up in the garage or shed gathering dust and rust. It may be something as simple as a puncture or sticking cable, or a problem with gears. Now is the time to act.

“It is part and parcel of the commitment of Safe 2 Cycle to get more children and adults of all abilities riding their bikes. There is nothing like seeing and hearing the whoops of joy from people of all ages and backgrounds when they get back in the saddle after a long break or learn to ride a bike for the first time.”

Malcolm’s Safe 2 Repair business visits the bike owner at home or work and carries out on-the-spot repairs where possible or takes it to his workshop.

His business also provides a courtesy bike service for people who need their cycle to get to work.

Malcolm was editor of the News for around 17 years and his role expanded to include leading its two sister weeklies in 2011.

He started out in journalism at the Pudsey News before going on to work for two news agencies then the Newcastle Evening Chronicle and Journal and Bradford’s Telegraph and Argus, where he rose to become deputy editor.