UNICYCLES and penny farthings replaced supercars and motorbikes at a North-East racetrack as children took part in a cycling fun day.

Youngsters from Eppleby Forcett Church of England Primary School and Middleton Tyas Church of England Primary School, in North Yorkshire, spent the day at Croft Circuit as part of an initiative to encourage them to get on their bikes.

The 180 pupils, aged from four to 11, took part in a ride around the one-mile track as they attempted to cycle the distance between the circuit to Monaco – 846 miles as the crow flies – to raise money for bike-themed play equipment for the schools.

Youngsters also enjoyed testing a bike-powered Scalextric track, a paint spinning bike, riding a smoothie bike and learning about climate change.

Manager Mike Cantelo let the children use the track free of charge, while Steve Cowley of Cowley Cycles, in Northallerton, provided timing chips and race numbers, as well as keeping track of the distances.

The schools’ executive head teacher, Maxine Price, said: “We must thank the organisers who have done a superb job of pulling together lots of fun activities as well as all those who have given their time for free or donated prizes.

“The funds we raise will, in part, go towards bike-themed play equipment for the schools.”

The day was supported by a number of local organisations, including North Yorkshire County Council, Stage One Cycles, JUST (Juggling Unicycling Stockton-on-Tees), North Yorkshire Rotters, Sustrans and the British Triathlon Foundation Trust.

A prize draw was also held, with prizes donated by Trikudu, in Richmond, Bank Cycles and Caygill Cycles, the Brownlee Foundation, Tour de Yorkshire and Saddle Skedaddle, which offers family cycling holidays.