HAND powered bikes have been introduced at the borough's multimillion pound cycling centre to help more disabled riders take up the sport.

A range of specially adapted new bikes have been bought by Redbridge Cycling Centre - including two tricycles which were donated by Newbridge School.

Stephen George, from Barkingside, attended a special launch day for the cycles at the 4.5 million circuit, which was opened by Boris Johnson in August last year.

He said: "I haven’t ridden for 25 years and thought I’d take the opportunity to try the special bikes out – it was fantastic and really easy."

The council hopes the bikes will encourage more disabled people to take up the sport before the 2012 Paralympics.

For more information visit: redbridge.gov.uk