A GROUP of 21-year-olds will be taking part in a marathon cycle relay on Sunday to help celebrate the Wiltshire Cycleway's 21st birthday.

The 168-mile bike ride along the cycleway will also mark the culmination of the county's bike week, aimed at encouraging more people to get on their bikes.

Twenty-one young people have volunteered to ride eight miles of the route before handing over the baton to the next cyclist.

The ride will start and finish at the Lock Inn, Bradford on Avon, setting off at 7am and ending at about 8.40pm.

Each 21-year-old who takes part will be given a bike, an invitation to a reception at the Lock Inn on the evening of the ride, and a free party for 25 friends at the Chicago Rock Cafe in Trowbridge as part of its Ride Rock campaign, which is being run in conjunction with the 21st birthday celebrations.

The ride has been organised by Wiltshire County Council's TravelWise team who promote walking, cycling and other environmentally friendly modes of transport.

TravelWise manager, Bill Prendergast said: "Wiltshire Cycleway is 21 this year and we wanted to mark its special anniversary by celebrating with other residents of the county who are also 21 this year.

"Each will be asked to ride eight miles of the 168-mile county circular route, accompanied hopefully by lots of other cyclists joining throughout the day.

"Wiltshire Bike Week is about getting people out and about on their bike to school, work or to go to the shops. We want as many people as possible, whatever their age, to join us on the Wiltshire Cycleway birthday ride."

Wiltshire Bike Week began on Saturday with the launch at The Shires shopping centre, Trowbridge, and this Sunday's event will end the celebrations.

Events taking place during the week have included five cyclists riding to and from work

every day, cycling refresher and skills courses for adults and

a number of organised bike rides, including one at Longleat,

near Warminster. By Sunday, a total of 26 events will have taken place.

Mr Prendergast said: "Bike Week is not about criticising cars but more a case of encouraging people to use a bike when they can.

"If you just want to go to the local shop it makes sense to jump on a bike because it is free, there are no parking hassles and it helps your levels of fitness.

"I always ride my bike and after this perhaps a few more people will see it is a good idea."