STAFF from a Holsworthy-based company took part in the recent Love to Ride cycle challenge, a national campaign, which encourages people to cycle more.

Trewin Design Architects won in the challenge’s won category of 7-19 staff respectively.

More than1,500 people from across Devon took part, cycling a total of 123,811 miles, which is equivalent to cycling the world five-times.

Around 90 Devon businesses and organisations took part in the three-week competition, which took place in June.

The challenge inspired 290 people from Devon to cycle for the first time in over a year. By the end of the competition more than 10,000 cycle journeys had been recorded by participants who had either, cycled to work or for leisure and fitness.

Participants were rewarded for their efforts with a range of prizes from local retailers and presented with certificates from Devon County Council in recognition of their achievements. The overall workplace winners received trays of cakes from the Exeter bakery, ‘Emma’s Bread’.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member with responsibility for cycling, said: “The Devon Cycle Challenge has proven to be an incredible success and I’m delighted that it has helped people to get back on their bikes and rediscover the benefits that cycling has to offer, from improving health, to tackling congestion and saving money.

“Following the success of this challenge, Devon County Council will be running another challenge in September as part of ‘Ride to Work Week’.”

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week’s edition of the Post.