ALMOST 250 pupils took to their bikes this week as part of a scheme to cut congestion.

Youngsters at Oatlands Junior School, in Harrogate, were invited to travel by bicycle for a Two-Wheel Day.

Organisers were amazed by the response, which saw 245 bikes in the playground at a school which has 309 pupils. In some places, bikes were three deep alongside a fence.

Some parents lead up to four children cycling to school.

The day was organised by the school in co-operation with the cycling champion Sustrans. The charity presented the school with a 40-bay covered shelter.

The shelter was opened by the mayor of Harrogate, Councillor Caroline Bayliss, who cycled to the school from Hookstone Road, complete with crash helmet and her mayoral chains.

Oatlands headteacher Jill Cooper said: "We were thrilled with the response and the support we were given by pupils and parents.

"It was an enjoyable event, but had a very serious message of trying to cut down on the number of cars."