BOBBIES on bicycles is nothing new: they were regularly seen patrolling their beat on boneshakers for years.

But now a new pedal-powered unit has taken to the road, complete with specially-adapted mountain bikes and high-visibility uniforms.

York's new Community Cycle Unit is aimed at providing a fast and effective police presence around the congested city centre.

The pushbikes make it easier and quicker for the officers, PCs Steve Harvey, Lee Fickling and Dave Heaven and Sergeant Nigel Tottie, to get around.

And they will be able to stop to talk to the public more easily.

Sgt Tottie, who is in charge of the unit, said: "We hope that putting officers on cycles will be a modern and effective way of policing the city centre.

"Not only will the presence of officers reassure the public, it will also act as a deterrent to any criminals in the city centre, and the bikes mean the officers can get around quickly and efficiently."

The unit has been sponsored by a group including the local council and several employers and will run on a pilot basis for six months.

Its effectiveness will then be evaluated before a decision is made as to whether or not it becomes permanent.

The officers join a successful cycling paramedic, who was introduced in the city earlier this year by the ambulance service.