FREE cycling for all the family is being offered on Monday at Leisure World Colchester.

Organised by a new project called Happy Handlebars, a cycling refresher and confidence session will be held from 10am to 11am.

This will be followed by a gentle led ride along the Wivenhoe Trail at 11am- starting at the front of the leisure centre in Cowdray Avenue.

Project co-ordinator Richard Monk said: "Whether you've never been on a bike before or you want to get back in the saddle after a long break, this is a great opportunity to start gently and discover some of the hidden beauty spots around the town.

"The experienced Happy Handlebars leaders will be there to help and encourage you every step of the way.

"We've weekly bike rides throughout the summer, meeting every Monday at 11am at Leisure World Colchester."

The refresher sessions are free and people can join four rides for free, after this it will cost £3 per ride.

Happy Handlebars is a new project from En-form, an environmental charity, and is being funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery Trust and Essex County Council with the support of Colchester Council, Leisure World and the volunteers from Colchester Cycling for Pleasure group.

For more information call 01206 367776, and to book online visit www.happyhandlebars.org.uk.