A SMALL army of cyclists clocked up hundreds of miles when they peddled out along a new East Durham trail.

The cyclists had all signed up to take part in an 18-mile Ride for Health family outing from Shotton Colliery to Crimdon along the recently completed cycleway.

The event was organised by Durham County Council as part of the Sustainable Health for Easington project, with support from County Durham Health Authority and the Turning the Tide project.

The fully booked outing saw those taking part follow the picturesque Haswell to Hart route on the new cycleway network.

Project manager, Ray Leonard said: "Turning the Tide is proud of the fact that local people are using the new facilities in such a positive way."

The Sustainable Health project aims to develop practical events such as physical activities, energy conservation and healthy food initiatives.

Project officer, Elaine Wood said: "Cycling is growing as an alternative way to commute, as well as being a leisure pursuit, but probably most important of all, it is a fun way for people to keep fit and healthy.

"Regularly cycling just five miles a day can vastly improve your overall fitness, halve the risk of coronary heart disease and protect against strokes."

She said everyone, no matter what their age, could pedal their way to good health