TWO lucky youngsters in Kingsteignton are set to win bikes and cycling kit courtesy of minerals firm Sibelco.

The company is asking all five to 16-year-olds in the town to celebrate life on two wheels by creating a piece of art using words, images, audio or video.

They have until August 23 to submit their creations making the competition an ideal summer project.

Announcing the scheme as National Bike Week nears, Sibelco’s Ben Uphill said: ‘As a company we have already delivered, enabled or committed to 9km of traffic-free paths locally and are celebrating the latest section which is due to be constructed along Old Exeter Road very soon now.

‘The 0.8km route will take cyclists and pedestrians off the road between the Stover Way and Newcross, requiring a new bridge over the River Teign.

‘We’re extremely proud to have helped create more cycle and pedestrian provision than any comparable organisation and hope Kingsteignton youngsters will enjoy taking part in our competition.’

The bikes and safety kit are being supplied by Kingsteignton firm Hot Pursuit Cycles. Director Chris Berry said: ‘We work with many schools in the area and do whatever we can to promote cycling.

‘The Sibelco Life Cycle Competition is a great way of encouraging youngster to enjoy life in the saddle and it’s great to know how much the firm has done to help.’

Sibelco’s biggest single contribution to the local cycle network has been a 3.2km stretch along the new B3193 Clay Pits Way.

It has also provided 1.8km of land for the path alongside Stover Canal and more for construction of the pedestrian and cycle bridge over the A38 at Heathfield.

Cllr Jackie Hook, Teignbridge District Council’s climate change champion, said: ‘Along with many other local authorities Teignbridge has declared a climate emergency.

‘Encouraging people out of their cars and onto bikes is a simple and enjoyable way of helping to address the problem.’

Kingsteignton Mayor Cllr Ron Peart, also a County Councillor, welcomed the competition.

‘I look forward to judging the entries and seeing what our creative youngsters come up with,’ he said.

Fellow judge, former Olympian, Commonwealth Games and Tour de France rider Colin Lewis who is president of Mid-Devon Cycle Club, said: ‘I’ve spent all my life on two wheels and loved every minute.

‘Anything to encourage people to take up cycling has my backing.’

National Bike Week runs May 30 - June 6. www.cyclinguk.org

Competition entries should be emailed to [email protected].

Video or audio submissions must not exceed 60 seconds and be sent via file sharing services such as Dropbox and We Transfer.

The winners will be announced in late August and invited to Hot Pursuit for a fitting.