AN initiative encouraging shoppers to dump their cars and take to the saddle has won the support of a local authority.

Tesco's supermarket at Catterick Garrison is introducing a bike hod scheme, which gives customers trailers to tow their shopping home by bicycle.

The proposals have received the official backing of Richmondshire district councillors.

They welcomed the environmentally-friendly initiative, which is being operated as a partnership between the authority, Tesco and the Army, at a resources committee meeting.

The Army will play its part in the unusual scheme by promoting it among the thousands of military personnel and their families, based at the garrison.

Council officials will also look into creating hod parks in the area, where trailers can be left, for collection by Tesco staff