A new cycling hub which will give people without access to bikes the chance to explore North West Leicestershire's routes is set to launch this weekend.

Families are invited to try out the hub on Sunday (April 23) from 10am until 2pm at Measham Leisure Centre - where they can get support on taking up the activity.

Bikes will be available for anyone aged four and above thanks to a grant from the Mercia Park Community Fund and Leicestershire County Council - which has allowed North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) to upcycle 20 second-hand bikes.

During the event, cycling trainers B-Buddies will be on hand to offer an introduction to cycling and basic bike maintenance courses.

Swannington resident, Amelia Morris-Payne, has been invited to open the facility after being recognised as a North West Leicestershire Active Champion for her efforts to use cycling to improve her own health and encourage others to start a similar journey.

She said: "It's an honour to open up the new facility – cycling has really helped to kick start my own health and wellbeing journey and I hope that it will encourage others to do the same."

Cyclists using the facility will have access to bikes, helmets and maps for cycle trails in and around North West Leicestershire.

You can try the hub this Sunday at Measham Leisure Centre. Photo: Ashby Nub News

The cycling hub will be open at the weekends and in the school holidays between 10am and 5pm.

More information is available HERE or by calling Measham Leisure Centre on 01530 274061.

Paul Sanders, Head of Community Services at NWLDC said, "Not everyone is fortunate enough to own their own bikes, and so we want to make cycling accessible to as many people as possible which is why we've got bikes suitable for anyone aged four and above.

"The facility will be a great addition to the district, helping to improve the health and wellbeing of residents who want to explore more of North West Leicestershire by bike.

"I'd recommend coming down to Measham Leisure Centre on Sunday to see what the new hub has to offer and how you can get into cycling."

Kerry Amory, Social Value Manager for IM Properties who set up the Mercia Park Community Fund said: "Encouraging sustainable travel is integral to all our schemes and the Measham cycling hub is a natural fit for our community fund which has supported many local groups looking to strengthen the quality of life of surrounding communities."