THE Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) has praised the cycle shop which provides its paramedics with bikes on the shop’s 20th anniversary.

Cycle Heaven, in Bishopthorpe Road, has supplied the Life Cycle team at YAS with seven bikes since the scheme launched in 2001, and the shop was presented with a Service Shield by the organisation.

The Life Cycles carry the same range of equipment in two panniers as an ambulance rapid-response vehicle, with defibrillator, blue flashing strobe lights and sirens, and can be first on the scene at pedestrianised streets in York.

Paul Farthing, locality manager for York with the YAS, said: “We wanted to join the team in their birthday celebrations and recognise just how much of a difference their support has made. Life Cycle would not have been possible without the help and support of Cycle Heaven and it is great to see local businesses working with YAS to provide what has been an incredibly successful scheme.”

Cycle Heaven opened its first shop in York in September 1993, and now has a second outlet at York Station. Staff celebrated the anniversary by cycling out to a special celebration in Leyburn.

Andy Shrimpton, co-director at Cycle Heaven, said: “When we were first approached to work with YAS on launching Life Cycle in 2001 we were keen to get involved and our partnership has gone from strength to strength.

“We enjoy working with YAS and can see the benefits the scheme provides in our city. Pedal power saves lives and we’re delighted to be part of it and to be recognised for our support.”