CYCLIST John Halliwell reckons the number-two rider on a tandem is always made to feel like a second-class citizen.

So the 46-year-old ex-college boffin is working on a three-wheeled cycle with side-by-side seating, fitted with independent drives, gearing and disc brakes.

The bike has won a One NorthEast pioneer innovation award, and Mr Halliwell will go any distance to prove that the invention is safe.

Mr Halliwell and his financial director, Eric Brindle, have already cycled 200 miles around disabled clubs and organisations to show them a prototype bike which, steered by a centrally-mounted joystick, means cycling can be enjoyed by people whose disability could put a conventional bicycle out of the question.

The five-strong team of Toucan Engineering, in Middlesbrough, has completed the first production model of the 2Can-i off-road model.

"We are looking to produce 50 in our first year," said mechanical production engineer Mr Halliwell.

"We would hope to get up to about 100 a year.

"I have always been interested in cycling and always had cycles, but it strikes me not everyone can ride a conventional mountain bike. I have a three-year-old son and I cannot take him everywhere with me."

The Calvert Trust, which specialises in outdoor pursuits for the disabled, has already put in a bid for cash to buy several of the three-wheelers.