A SERIES of bike rides to help cyclists of all ages stay fit and healthy are being staged.

The sessions, organised by Durham County Council as part of the national Bike4Life programme, are led by trained experts and volunteers.

They are free to join and bikes and helmets are provided. The rides are up to two hours long and are at a recreational pace with plenty of breaks.

The sessions can be divided up to cater for different abilities.

Joanne Heron, the council's physical activity officer, said: “Cycling is a great way to improve your health and well being.

On Mondays sessions are at the Pioneering Care Partnership, Newton Aycliffe, between 10am and noon; Abbey Leisure Centre, Pity Me, from 10.30am to 12.30pm; Louisa Centre, Stanley, between 1pm and 3pm and the Riverside Sports Complex, Chester-le-Street, from 1pm to 3pm.

On Tuesdays they are at The Glebe Centre, Murton, from 9.30am to 11.30am and the Active Life Centre, Coxhoe, from 10am to noon.

Sessions on Wednesdays are at Wingate Woodland Park, Wingate, between 9.30am and 11.30am and Belle Vue Swim Centre, Consett, between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

They are at Hardwick Park, Sedgefield, on Thursdays from 9.30am to 11.30am and the Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington, between 10am and noon.

A group meets at Adventure Lane Recreation Ground, West Rainton, on Sundays from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

To get involved just turn up at one of the sessions, contact 03000-266555 or head online to durham.gov.uk/cyclingevents