Young job seekers could soon be getting on their bikes - electric bikes.

North Yorkshire council, whose domain includes South Craven, has launched a trial of machines for use by people in rural parts of the county.

Under the "Wheels to Work" scheme, 50 young people seeking jobs - and who live some distance from a bus route - have already been given access to mopeds.

But now the council is testing the electric bike in a bid to cut running costs and pollution levels.

Geoff Gardner, the council's travel awareness officer, said: "Electric bikes have come a long way in the past 10 years and they now represent a viable form of transport over distances of up to 35 miles.

"Riders do not need a licence, and insurance - though recommended - is not compulsory.

"The message for all of us must be 'if you're not going far, forget the car'.

With bikes like this, you could go a long way on six pence worth of electricity."

The bike will also be used for other purposes including demonstrations to businesses to encourage them to think about the impact the bike could have on their transport situation.

Research suggests that whereas most new bicycles are used mainly for pleasure, electric bicycles are mostly used as a form of transport which might otherwise have involved a car journey.

Businesses interested in testing the bike should contact travelwise@northyorks.gov.uk.