A CUSTOM-built bike aimed at boosting a culture bid was unveiled yesterday.

Mick Henry, the leader of Gateshead Council, and Newcastle City Council leader Tony Flynn tried out a prototype of the Tyne Bike on Gateshead's Millennium Bridge.

Produced as part of Newcastle and Gateshead's attempt to become European Capital of Culture, it is hoped to form the basis of the UK's first formal city bike hire scheme.

The scheme would be aimed at improving accessibility for visitors, enhancing the environment and promoting healthy living. It would link in with and improve Newcastle and Gates-head's public transport infrastructure.

The Tyne Bike is adjustable for all heights and ages and has a chainless shaft drive, air-free tyres and dynamo-power-ed lights. It is hoped that local people would hire similar versions to cycle to places such as Segedunum Roman Fort.

The scheme would include a number of parking hubs at key central points, which people would be able to return bikes to.

Neil Rami, chief executive of the Newcastle-Gateshead Initiative, said: "Clean and sustainable transport is a key part of the bid for European Capital of Culture 2008.

"Having an innovative, healthy and enjoyable way of getting around Newcastle and Gateshead would be a valuable resource for local people and visitors."

The Tyne Bike scheme is the brainchild of local entrepreneur Nick Devitt and the bike's design and development has been supported by One NorthEast.