Staff at Airedale Hospital got on their bikes to promote the healthy benefits of pedal power.

Employees at the Steeton hospital were encouraged to abandon their cars and saddle up on their bikes to get them to work. The event at Airedale -- co-ordinated by Geoff Goss and Andrew Bramham -- was held in support of national Bike 2 Work Day, part of the Government's National Bike Week initiative.

As an extra incentive the cyclists were served a free breakfast in the hospital dining room courtesy of CP Parking -- the company responsible for car park security at Airedale.

All Terrain Cycles, of Cross Hills, Aire Valley Cycles and Robin Nolan Cycles, of Keighley, also donated free cycling gifts.

Marjorie Tindale, operational services manager, said: "In support of National Bike Week we have encouraged our staff to get out of their cars and on to their bikes.

"It's not only a healthier way to travel, it's also free and frees up valuable car parking spaces.

"Airedale NHS Trust has recently provided additional cycling stores that are secure around the hospital so staff can store their bikes safely."

National Bike Week is funded by the Department of Transport and is the only nationwide promotion of cycling throughout the UK.