A rodent mascot is being used to help spearhead a drive to get a town's residents healthier - and out of their cars.

Vernon the Vole is helping environmental charity Middlesbrough Environment City (MEC) launch a cycle route around the Becks Valley, in Middlesbrough.

The furry mascot, created by the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust to highlight the plight of the endangered water vole, appears on MEC's new leaflet.

The leaflet includes a cycle route around Berwick Hills Nature Reserve and the surrounding estates.

There is also a guide to how to identify water voles, an endangered species, which cyclists could spot while exploring the nature reserve. There are also tips for a safe day's cycling.

Mary Whiting, MEC's Local Agenda 21 projects officer said: "The new route and leaflet are just one of a number of initiatives MEC is delivering to encourage people to use their bike as a real alternative to the car for leisure and work.

"The route has been carefully prepared and we really hope people find it an enjoyable and easy one to follow. I think they will be surprised what a picturesque and interesting cycle ride it provides."

The leaflet was funded by The Big Lottery Fund, The SEED programme and Middlesbrough Council.