THE JOYS of cycling in the New Forest were publicised with a 100-strong ride through the National Park lead by a Paralympian.

Darren Kenny OBE lead the ride from Brockenhurst to Burley,which was organised by PEDALL, a partnership project that provides opportunities for people of all ages with a disability or learning difficulty to enjoy cycling in the New Forest, no matter what challenges they face.

PEDALL is currently supported by the National Lottery Community Fund and the New Forest National Park Authority but, with funding due to come to an end next year, the event was also to showcase the group’s activities and to attract new sponsors.

Five teams, which were all made up of regular users of PEDALL, took part in the event, which saw competitors pass a gold painted pedal as a baton through 20km of New Forest scenery. Darren Kenny, who won gold at the Athens and Beijing Paralympics, led the ride and presented medals to all competitors at the end of the event.

Manager of the initiative, Donna Neseyif, said: "Our funding is due to end next year. We are looking for business sponsors who may be able to help us purchase new bikes and help continue the project."