COUNTY Durham commuters are urged to leave their cars behind and 'leg it' to work this month.

Employers are urged to join the band of workers who are walking or cycling to work for Leg It Day on June 13.

Staff from Durham County Council, the Land Registry, Durham Police, Sainsbury's at the Arnison Centre, Durham and the University of North Durham Hospital are all taking part and those who get on their bikes will be rewarded with a barbecue breakfast.

The breakfast will be held on a new off-road pedestrian and cycle link between County Hall at Aykley Heads and Newton Hall, which will be used for the first time that day.

And anyone spotted walking or cycling to work by radio station Century FM, will be offered prizes including holidays and sports equipment.

Throughout the summer, the county council's On Yer Bike campaign, which promotes the health benefits of cycling, will focus on Chester-le-Street, Derwentside and Sedgefield.

There will be a series of cycle rides, with the first on June 23, when trained marshals will lead two cycle rides to Gateshead Millennium Bridge, one from Chester-le-Street Civic Centre and the other from Shotley Bridge picnic area on the Derwent Walk.

Four Lanchester Show rides are lined up for July 6. To book a place contact Elaine Wood on (0191) 383 3745.