GETTING on their bikes won £50 worth of book tokens for a team of 25 children from The Crescent Primary School in Eastleigh.

The pupils formed the largest group in a cycling fun day at the town's Fleming Park and scooped the winning prize for their school.

The day was organised by Eastleigh Borough Council's transport policy team and DC Leisure as part of the National Festival of Cycling.

The event attracted around 500 children and adults.

More than 200 children took part in a cycle ride on a safe route round the park's perimeter with a prize offered to the school with the most pupils on bikes.

Borough cycling officer Sarah Wallbridge said she was delighted with the response.

"It was very encouraging, with 17 borough school's represented," she said.

"All the youngsters who took part in the ride received a certificate, a free swimming voucher and free entry into a prize draw.

"Everybody who went along had a great time and it was an ideal event for us to put over the cycling message - providing advice and information about road safety, cycle maintenance, health and fitness and environmentally friendly transport.

"We even had the latest in electric bike technology to promote sustainable transport the easy way."

With the 2001 cycle fun day turning out to be such a success, plans are already in hand for a similar event next year.