A CYCLING cafe in the New Forest has been named the best in England after a national competition.

Staff at Café Velo in Ringwood, which only opened this year, are celebrating after receiving the recognition from Cycling UK.

The business in Star Lane has been named Cyclist Café of the Year in England following a public vote and assessment from a judging panel.

Owner Peter Moore, who lives in Southbourne, said the award came as complete surprise.

"It is a massive boost for us and it shows we must be doing something right," he said.

"Since we were named as the winner we have already seen more people coming into us and hopefully that keeps going."

Peter, who is an electrician by trade, decided to try something different and opened Café Velo in Easter this year.

Alongside the café, which provides various menus throughout the day, the business has a maintenance workshop and organises ride outs across the New Forest and east Dorset.

"Cycling cafés have become a very popular trend," Peter added.

"People can bring their bikes in and we try to provide a friendly service."