A FLEET of 50 bikes are to be offered to people for free in a Hampshire city on one condition - they return them when they have finished with them.

Anyone will be able to borrow one of the bikes for short journeys as long as they bring it back in one piece.

Transport chiefs hope the pioneering project could be the answer to Winchester's rush hour traffic and pollution problem.

The pilot scheme could even be extended across the county if it is successful.

Winchester's initiative, which has been set up by Hampshire County Council, is similar to those running in Holland.

Bikes will be kept near the railway station to offer a better incentive for commuters to take the train.

People will have to register before using the service to stop thieves cycling off with the bikes.

Free cycle helmets, reflective jackets and cycle maps will be provided.

One of those supporting the idea, called Bikeabout, is Hampshire County Council's transport and environment supremo Keith Estlin.

He believes the initiative, which has already been tried in York and Bristol, will be good for both the heart of Winchester and the heart rate of its residents.

He said: "Bikeabout is a great initiative to get people out of their cars for those short city centre journeys.

"Not only will users be doing their bit for the environment but they will also be reaping the health benefits too."

Bikes can be borrowed free of charge from a depot in Gladstone Street car park, next to Winchester railway station, any time between 7.30am and 5.30pm.

To start with, the scheme is only running on weekdays, but organisers are hoping that, if successful, it can be rolled out to take in weekends and overnight as well.

Bikeabout has come about thanks to funding from the county council's MIRACLES project. It is also being co-sponsored by the European Union's CIVITAS Initiative, which aims to promote sustainability and vitality within Europe's cities.

Each of the 50 bikes cost £350, and users will be asked to ensure their safe return by making sure sturdy integral locks are in place whenever the cycle is left unattended.

However, anyone thinking about stealing one might be put off by the style and colour - white and reminiscent of 1960s grocers' cycles.