FAMILIES across County Durham are being encouraged to saddle up for spring at a series of bike surgeries.

Seven separate Dr Bike surgeries will be held on Saturday, giving cyclists a chance to have their bike checked over and adjusted by an expert.

There will also be free cycling maps, maintenance leaflets and guided ride leaflets for the coming year.

Ben Dellow, travel plans officer for Durham County Council, said: "Now that the winter weather is hopefully behind us, spring is a great time to start thinking about cycling again, either for pleasure, health or short journeys when the car is not really needed.

"The cycle route network in the county is developing all the time, and a visit to a Dr Bike surgery is a good way to ensure that your bike is up to scratch before setting off."

Surgeries take place from 11am to 1pm in the Clayport Library, Durham City; Halfords, in the Arnison Centre, Pity Me; Meadowfield Leisure Centre, Durham; Spennymoor Leisure Centre; Woodhouse Close Library, Bishop Auckland; Coxhoe Leisure Centre; and Belle View Leisure Centre, Consett.

Anyone interested in maps, bike maintenance or guided rides who can't get to one of the surgeries should contact Ben Dellow on 0191 383 3721.