CYCLISTS from throughout the North-East are being encouraged to take part in a charity event.

Pedalling Picnics - family fun days organised by the Sustrans charity - are coming to Gateshead and North Yorkshire.

The activities are designed to allow families to discover their local stretches of the National Cycle Network.

A ride will set off from Acomb, near York, to the Murton Museum of Farming, on June 21, starting at 10am. Call (01904) 423061 for details.

At 11am the same day, there will be a ride from Gateshead's Millennium Bridge to Gibside. Call 0191-222 7544 for details.