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IT LOOKS like it’s going to be a scorching summer, so get the whole family on their bikes with a series of family-friendly rides around the region.

Let’s Go Tees Valley has launched its Big Summer programme for 2018, which includes a series of free cycle rides and walking trails – especially for children and families - throughout the summer holidays to help you to make the most of the great outdoors and the beauty of the region.

From Darlington to Redcar – and everywhere in between – the bike rides offer a range of distances and themes to suit all ages and abilities. There’ll be something for everyone at a pace that allows you to take in the spectacular countryside and discover new places on your doorstep.

Enjoy the beauty of our coastline with a gentle, guided ride from Beacon in Redcar, to Saltburn on Friday, August 27, led by an experienced ride leader, with stops along the way for refreshments. Bring your own picnic or treat yourself to traditional fish and chips by the seaside.

Maybe you fancy tracking down dinosaurs with the route that offers an easy ride along the Tees from the Barrage to the Teesaurus Park in Middlesbrough. This ride takes place on Wednesday, August 8.

Picnic with the Teddy Bears on Wednesday, July 25, on the Wynyard Woodland ride, or have a pedal round the park at Preston Hall on Wednesday, August 15. Spend the day and visit the museum and Butterfly World, or take a trip on the miniature railway.

With so many exciting rides to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice – so do more than one! Let everyone in the family pick their favourite.

Check out the Big Summer website at www.bigsummer.co.uk, for a selection of free and low-cost, family-friendly cycling and walking activities, which suggest easy routes that are not too long, and with lots of breaks.

All rides need to be booked in advance so don’t delay as places are filling up fast. Find your ideal ride at www.bigsummer.co.uk Let’s make 2018 the best summer of cycling yet.

Let's Go Tees Valley is the sustainable transport programme for the Tees Valley, and encourages people to walk, cycle and use public transport, in order to reduce the number of cars on the road and improve our environment, as well as our own health and well-being.

The project is funded by the Department of Transport’s Access Fund and supported by Tees Valley Combined Authority.

The programme is delivered by the local authorities for Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton-On-Tees.