A TANDEM cycling club in York has launched its 2018 season and is appealing to disabled people across the city come along and take part in its weekly rides.

Run by charity Open Country, York Tandem Club meets every Tuesday evening between April and September and enables people with a disability to enjoy riding a bike.

The group meets outside Cycle Heaven near Millennium Bridge at 6pm and agrees a route before setting off on one of the cycle trails around the city.

Explaining how the club works, Lizzie Hughes, who leads the rides, said: "We have a fabulous team of volunteer front riders, or 'pilots', who take care of the steering, braking and tricky bits, so the disabled back rider, or 'stoker', just needs to have good balance, pedal hard and enjoy the ride. We supply the bikes and all the gear so all we ask is that our members bring lots of enthusiasm!

"As well as enabling our members to keep fit and healthy, the social side of the club aims to increase their wellbeing and the pub stop is an important part of the evening! We're a really friendly group and everyone has the same motivation - to enjoy the countryside on a bike."

She continued: "Rides are usually between 10 and 15 miles although the first few rides of the season tend to be shorter while everyone increases their confidence. We are keen for anyone to come and give it a go and encourage people to get in touch to discuss the opportunity in more detail."

Anyone interested in joining the York Tandem Club can phone the Open Country team on 01423 507227.