NEW YEAR fitness fanatics at a York gym have been pedalling like mad this month in hot pursuit of Mark Inman, the city's cycling paramedic.

Living Well Premier, at Nether Poppleton, has given Mark free use of its equipment to make sure he stays in top shape during the winter months.

Mark cycles in his spare time, but has been using gym and static indoor cycling - or spinning - machines to keep him in trim during wet weather.

Since the launch of York's Life-Cycles paramedic scheme in 2001, Mark has cycled over 7,300 miles while responding to about 1,500 emergency calls within York's city walls.

Mark has helped to "stand down" 20 per cent of ambulances, which has meant they have been released for other emergencies.

"It's the time of year for people to get fit and we have quite a few members who have made their New Year's resolutions, so Mark is setting tough standards and helping to keep them motivated," said Living Well sales manager Ivan Beard.

Updated: 11:17 Monday, January 20, 2003