PEDAL power will help supermarket shoppers get their groceries home with the launch of a pioneering scheme.

From today, shoppers at Tesco in Catterick Garrison will be able to hire trailers, or hods, which fit to the back of bicycles, to carry shopping back from the supermarket.

The store, which opened earlier this year, is one of a handful in the country to take part in the initiative, which aims to protect the environment by reducing car use and congestion.

Shoppers will have to pay a registration fee to join the scheme and have a tow bar fitted to their bikes.

Hods have to be returned to the store within three days, although Tesco is looking at setting up collection points.

The project is a joint initiative with Richmondshire District Council and the Army, and aims to take advantage of the recently opened 12 kilometres of cycle path around the garrison and surrounding area.

Supermarket manager Gary Simpson said: "The bike hods will undoubtedly make shopping trips easier and more convenient for our customers who shop by bike.

"And it will hopefully encourage others to leave their cars at home and dust off their bicycle clips."