PEOPLE are being encouraged to get back in the saddle with a free course aimed at increasing confidence while cycling.

Durham County Council is running a four-week ‘back on your bike’ course for adults at Teesdale Leisure Centre, in Barnard Castle in a bid to help people regain their confidence.

The course, which is suitable for anyone aged over 16, will begin by giving riders confidence as sessions will be held in a safe off-road environment.

Once riders feel confident in the safe environment, they will then progress to cycling on the main road.

The four sessions, which will be led by qualified Bikeability instructors, will run from the leisure centre on September 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 10am to 12pm.

All sessions are held on a Saturday and bikes and helmets can be provided if participants do not have their own.

For more information about the course and to book a place, call the Durham County Council on 03000-266555.