HEALTH staff are being offered free breakfasts to encourage them to ditch the car and cycle to work.

Derwentside and Durham and Chester-le-Street primary care trusts are being asked to saddle up in support of National Bike Week.

Elaine Jackson, health promotions specialist with Durham and Chester-le-Street PCT, said: "The aim of National Bike Week is to encourage more people to cycle more often and to promote the benefits of cycling to work to staff, both in terms of health and benefit to the environment."

Staff taking part will also be presented with certificates and their names will go into a national prize draw, with a cycling holiday for two and a Raleigh Chopper up for grabs.