PEOPLE are being encouraged to saddle up, get active and cycle in Delamere Park during National Bike Week.

The campaign, from June 17 to 25, is the only annual nationwide campaign to increase participation in organised cycling and to encourage one-time cyclists to return to the road.

Delamere Forest Park has smooth sandy tracks and only a few gentle hills.

Families can try out one of two waymarked cycle trails.

Hunger Hill and Whitemoor trails range from four to seven miles and can take up to an hour to complete.

For the more adventurous, cycling to the top of Old Pale offers superb panoramas of the Cheshire countryside or on a clear day views as far away as the Liverpool city skyline.

The specially marked footpaths and cycle trails are carefully planned to guide visitors around the forest.

The Forestry Commission is running its own campaign called Active Woods to encourage people to make the most of the opportunities that forests provide for healthy activity.

Simon Hough, recreation and environment manager at Delamere, said: "Forests are great places for cycling and mountain biking.

"There's also a fantastic range of health and fitness opportunities on offer at Delamere. It's a great safe area for families to spend their leisure time, whatever their age or ability.

"Woods aren't only good for the body - they're good for the mind too. In fact, natural green space boosts people's well being and morale."

Cycle hire is also available at Delamere Forest Park's visitor centre every weekend and from Thursday to Sunday every school holiday.

Advance bookings can be made by contacting WirralTracs on 07717 886832.