Tessa Jowell has been working with British Cycling to try to secure a long term future and sustained investment in the Herne Hill Velodrome.

Tessa said: 'I am pleased that discussions involving Southwark Council, the Dulwich Estate and British Cycling appear to be making real progress.

(Tessa is pictured at the velodrome with former World Champion cyclist, Tony Doyle)

'I am determined to help secure a bright future for this much-loved and historic stadium which was one of the official venues when the Olympics were last staged in London.

'Spending a Saturday morning at the velodrome is a truly uplifting experience. We must make sure that we make the most of the current explosion of interest in cycling. With London 2012 beckoning we owe it to cyclists today and in the future to protect and enhance teh Herne Hill Velodrome.