A YOUNG ME sufferer from Thornbury has been given the chance to embrace the outdoors with greater ease.

Helen Wood, 19, has this week got to try out a special hand bike thanks to the Gazette and South Gloucestershire Council.

The hand bike, which has three wheels, a low seat, and is pedalled and steered by hand, is aimed at people with mobility problems and those who have difficulty riding a standard bike.

South Gloucestershire Council recently set up a scheme to fund the use of the bike by people living within the authority who experience mobility problems.

The funding is part of the Cycling City project which aims to increase levels of cycling in South Gloucestershire and Bristol.

After reading about Helen in the Gazette last month and the difficulties she has living with ME, council workers decided to offer the scheme to the teenager.

Helen took a trip down to bike shop, Webbs of Warmley, to take the bike out on its maiden voyage along the Bristol to Bath cycle path.

"I really enjoyed the experience and I would definitely think about having another go on the bike," said Helen.

Helen and her mother Liz were so impressed with the bike that they are hoping to use it again to explore other cycle routes around South Gloucestershire as a family.

Mrs Wood said: "The trial went very well indeed and Helen really enjoyed it and got a lot out of the bike.

"I was very impressed with how the bike works just using your hands and I think Helen would really benefit from using it. We are certainly going to think about using it again."

As the first person to give the hand bike a test drive, Helen will now feature as the council’s cover girl on a forthcoming leaflet which will promote the cycling scheme.

Sarah Hudspith, spokeswoman for South Gloucestershire Council, said: "Providing this bike will enable those who may not be able to cycle so easily on a standard bike to enjoy the benefits of cycling. If this project is successful we will consider expanding the scheme."

The free hire of the bike is available from anything up to two hours or a couple of days depending on availability. Booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

For further information or to make a booking ring 0117 9673676 or email info@webbsofwarmley.com