A SMALL army of cyclists used pedal power to get on track to a healthier lifestyle yesterday.

More than 70 people took part in the 18-mile Ride for Health family bike ride, which took in the new Haswell to Hart cycle route, in County Durham.

The route is part of a cycleway network developed by the Turning The Tide partnership, which is reclaiming the east Durham coast from industrial pollution.

The ride went along the coastline from Shotton Colliery to Crimdon and back again.

It was organised by the Sustainable Health for Easington project, launched by Durham County Council, with the support of County Durham Health Authority and Turning The Tide.

It aims to develop physical activities, energy conservation and healthy food schemes to benefit the people and local environment of Easington.

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's 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 yourself against strokes."