HUNDREDS of people took to two wheels on the streets of Winchester to celebrate the start of the city's eighth annual Bike Week.

The week features a series of events aimed at enticing people out of their cars and back on to their cycles.

Most spectacular was the sight of a 100-strong cycle cavalcade with riders of all ages cruising through the city centre on a variety of ancient and modern bicycles.

Mayor of Winchester Councillor Jean Hammerton waved a flag to get events under way.

The throng of pushbikes took around 25 minutes to complete a scenic circuit of the city, led by a police outrider and joined by the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's fire appliance Boris.

Those taking part were also given free water bottles and puncture repair kits - just to ensure all those starting, finished as well.

However the cavalcade wasn't the only pedal-power activity to hit the High Street during the day.

Stands lined the thoroughfare offering everything bike-related, from the machines themselves to surgery sessions for ailing cycles.

There were also several displays of bicycle prowess on show including a aerial mountain-bike extravaganza of daredevil stunts from professional riders next to the city's Buttercross and a cycle-slalom run by bike club VC Venta aimed at improving confidence on two-wheels.

The day finished off with a 20-mile hike for those keen on a longer ride, though it is just the start of the week-long focus on cycling.

Wednesday sees a Back to Biking for Adults session and all week there are various supervised bike-rides taking place across the city and surrounding countryside.

The event has been sponsored by Winchester City Council, with the sole aim of attracting more people back to bikes as possible.

Sustainable transport officer Mathew Hill said: "There is plenty going on during Bike Week and we hope that through these fun events we will encourage people to leave their car at home more often and cycle their way to a healthier lifestyle."

For further details of what events are happening and where, visit www.winchester.gov.uk/onthemove or ring Chris or Sally Hawthorne on 01962 877833.