PEOPLE in the north of the county are being encouraged by the council to get into cycling with new training courses.

Cherwell District Council is hosting the new Bikeability sessions for adults as part of its bid to live up to its Healthy Town status.

Bicester was selected as one of NHS England's healthy towns in March 2016 as part of a scheme hoping to build health into the town's infrastructure.

The latest attempt from Cherwell District Council hopes to help people get back into cycling or pick up the hobby as a new skill.

Council leader Barry Wood said: “Cycling is a great way of making exercise a regular part of your day.

"By delivering cycle training for everyone we hope we can make it possible for all residents to take to two wheels and realise the health benefits.

"As well as increasing individuals’ activity levels, cycling has the potential to boost the health of the town as a whole, reducing motor traffic, promoting cleaner air and making public spaces more liveable."

The beginner's programme, from the Department of Transport, will be on March 16, an intermediate session on March 23, and advanced skills course on March 30.

It will be held at Whitelands Farm Sports Ground at Kingsmere, and booked via email to angela.smith@cherwell-DC.gov.uk