YORK'S pedalling paramedic has enjoyed such success that his superiors are considering exporting the service to other parts of North Yorkshire.

And a second "Life Cyclist" could be introduced to the city centre next summer, under plans being discussed by the ambulance service.

Since the service was introduced earlier this year, the Life Cycle project has enjoyed enormous success, with Mark Inman and his bike becoming a familiar site in the city centre.

And the project has yielded such good results that similar schemes are being considered for Harrogate and Scarborough, as well as for the city of Hull.

"I'm absolutely delighted that the service has been as much of a success as it has been; we've surprised even ourselves," said Mark.

"I think it's great that it is under consideration for other places."

The York service was recently expanded, to cover outlying areas as well as the city centre.

Mark said: "We did wonder if it would be more difficult to cover the outer parts of town, but we are still managing to achieve the standards set for us - and still beating the ambulance."

The service is expected to continue in York indefinitely, although it may have to be withdrawn at some points during winter because of shorter daylight hours or bad weather.

Updated: 11:50 Wednesday, August 08, 2001