RESIDENTS of Alcester and visitors will soon be able to see the town from the back of a bike, thanks to a new scheme based at the Greig Centre.

It has been set up by a partnership between the centre, Advantage Alcester, the Countryside Agency and Stratford Council and although not formally launched until March, the bikes are already available for hire.

There are 12 bikes, six for men and six for women, and hire charges are £15 for a day and £10 for half a day.

Centre manager Stacy Robinson said: "The extra revenue from the cycle hire will be an added bonus for the centre and will be ploughed back into the site to help the costs of the on-going development.

"As it is the only cycle hire business in the area, it will add value to the centre and help put the Greig Centre back on the lips of the community.

"But also and just as importantly, it will add value to Alcester by making it a nice place to visit and a base for an exploration of the south Warwickshire countryside and local towns and villages."

Bike stands will be installed in strategic positions throughout Alcester and a feasibility study is to be undertaken of 10 cycle routes.

A cycle awareness course is planned for March targeting teenagers which will be followed by an adult course in May.