CROWDS of people turned out in Tavistock at the weekend to make the town's cycling fun day a resounding success.

Cllr Trevor Pennington, Devon County Council's vice chairman, officially launched the town as one of Devon County Council's five cycling 'hubs' as part of its campaign to encourage more people to take up leisure cycling.

More than 100 people took advantage of free one hour bike hire, with regular cyclists, absolute beginners and non-cyclists turning out at the Meadows in Tavistock to enjoy a one mile circular ride around The Meadows, Tavistock College and Crowndale Road. Many more people took their own bikes to the event to have them health checked, police security marked, to take part in the obstacle course or ride around the park.

There were some impressive entries in the 'bling your bike' competition, with prizes for the most beautifully decorated bikes going to Leonie Willet, aged eight, and Lauren Walker, aged 10.

Those who attended were also treated to a spectacular display of mountain bike trials, and plenty of people had a go at street surfing — a combination of snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing.

Children, parents and grandparents also took the opportunity to brush up on their riding skills, with cycle instructors guiding them through how to fix a puncture or change their bike tyres.

Ten children were helped by Devon County Council cycle instructors to help children learn to ride without stabilisers. Police marked 105 bikes with free security marking, and Dr Bike services were carried out by Adam Golding, Bernard Dugdale and Dave McMorrow.

The 'Smoothie Bike' also proved very popular with 85 people pedalling their way to a healthy refreshment.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: 'All of the cycling fun days have been really well attended, and the event in Tavistock proved equally popular.

'These events aim to encourage people to take up cycling or cycle more often and hopefully it has helped a few people to discover a new enjoyment for riding a bike.'

Almost 180 people answered a questionnaire to provide feedback of their experience of their cycle ride, and many of them volunteered to take part in the Cycle Devon programme to keep track of how often they cycle.

This programme is set up to find out more about people's cycling habits and is part of a national year long programme.