DESPITE not having picked up a bicycle in 25 years, Sandra Godbold is enjoying her re-discovered skill.

The 35-year-old is part of a new cycling group set up to help adults with learning disabilities in Colchester.

The group was established jointly by the occupational therapy team at NHS North East Essex and Richard Monk, Colchester’s cycling champion.

The launch session was the first time Miss Godbold had ridden a bike in years.

She said: “I was a bit nervous but the session was okay.

“I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was about ten years old, but I wanted to have a try because I want to get a bike of my own.

“Now I’ve tried it, the cycling has been great so I’m going to be doing it all the time.”

Richard Fretwell, 62, from Colchester, is another member of the group.

He said: “I’ve been cycling since I was a child, and it’s really good fun.

“It’s good to be going out cycling with a group because you get to make friends as well.”

A group of 13 set off from Colchester Leisure World, in Cowdray Avenue, for the first event in their calendar.

The next ride will take place on Tuesday leaving at 2pm, and lasting an hour.

Carolyn Rogers, occupational therapist based at the Mill Road Therapy Centre, said: “We run a weekly drop-in session on Tuesday afternoons at the Oak House in Maldon Road for adults with learning disabilities and it was at one of these sessions that someone mentioned the idea of creating a cycling group.

“We invited Richard Monk along to talk about cycling, and the idea for a group was formed.

“It’s great for them because physical activity is good for you – they tend to have very sedentary lifestyles, but it’s also a chance to get out into the community and meet new people.”

She added the group do have spare bicycles if people do not have their own.

Richard Monk said: “I was delighted to be invited to meet the group by Carolyn and Colchester MIND, and the response has been fantastic.

“This cycling activity is a partnership between Cycle Champions, Colchester Borough Council and NHS North East Essex, which is getting more people rediscovering the pleasure of cycling.”

For more information on the drop-in and cycling group call Carolyn on 01206 745448.