TAVISTOCK will host Devon County Council's next Cycling Fun Day to launch the town as Devon's latest cycling 'hub'.

Devon County Council has been awarded £2-million from Cycling England to promote leisure cycling and the county council is holding the fun days in five towns across Devon to encourage people to take to two wheels.

The third cycling fun day event will be held at the Meadows in Tavistock on Saturday April 24 from 10am to 4pm.

It will provide a chance for regular cyclists, absolute beginners and non-cyclists to enjoy a ride. A suggested route will be available for people to try.

As well as the cycle ride, there will be plenty more to see and do, with a breathtaking mountain bike trials display. There will be a variety of bikes on show with everything from old fashioned roadsters and mountain bikes to trikes and disability bikes.

All primary schoolchildren in the area are invited to take part in the Bling Your Bike competition by using ribbon, stickers, balloons or fancy dress to 'bling' themselves and their bikes. There will be prizes to win for the most beautifully decorated bikes.

West Devon Borough Council's sports development officer will be promoting local activities and events such as the 'Devon Games to Inspire'. There will also be the opportunity to have a go at street surfing, which is a combination of snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing.

Police will be providing free bike security marking and qualified mechanics will be available at the Dr Bike clinic, offering a free health check for your bike. Brush up on vital skills with sessions to learn how to fix a puncture under supervision of an expert, and Devon County Council cycle instructors will be on hand to help children learn to ride without stabilisers.

There will even be the opportunity to try the 'Smoothie Bike', where you can pedal your way to a healthy refreshment and burn calories at the same time.

To top it all off, the event coincides with the Rotary Club charity duck race.

The county council will be looking for volunteers at each of the events to take part in keeping an online diary throughout the year, detailing what cycling they are doing. Those who take part will receive incentives and have the opportunity to win prizes.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, county council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: 'The cycling fun days are proving to be very popular. Everyone's welcome to turn up with their bike, take part and enjoy themselves.

'Even if you haven't got a bike there will be some available for people to try, so everyone can come along. The aim is to encourage people to take up cycling, or cycle more often.

'We would ask everyone considering coming along to take care on their journey to the Meadows and we recommend that participants wear a helmet when cycling. And for all of those who are taking part in 'blinging' their bike, our advice is to make sure your decorations don't stop you from riding properly!'