A HUSBAND and wife are turning their passion for cycling into a business.

Gary and Fiona Ewing are to open Inspiral Cycles, on Newgate Street, in Bishop Auckland, on Saturday, March 7.

Mr Ewing, 39, a former North Yorkshire County Council business and intelligence officer, has more than 20 years of cycling experience.

A member of Bishop Auckland Cycling Club and Hamsterley Trailblazers he said: “There’s a lot of demand for cycling in the Bishop Auckland area.

“The bike shop in Bishop Auckland, RedApe Bikes, closed last year and that left a big hole in the lives of cyclists.

“It seemed like a good opportunity and I have been passionate about bikes for 20 years.I feel that I can do quite well.

“We will cater for casual riders and dedicated cyclists, plus everything in between.”

Mrs Ewing, who will continue to work part-time as a speech and language therapist, said: “It would be fantastic if Inspiral Cycles could become a cycling hub for the town.

“We are passionate about improving the services in our town and about helping everyone enjoy the countryside around Bishop Auckland.”

They gained support from the South Durham Enterprise Agency and a start-up loan from the Government.

They have also applied for grants from Durham County Council.

Inspiral Cycles is open Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday between 9am and 6pm. It is open on Thursdays from 10am to 7pm and closed Wednesdays and Sundays.

For more details visit www.inspiralcycles.co.uk