Ealing Council is offering a £40 voucher to keep residents cycling through the winter.

The voucher is available to any adult who has had cycle training since October or who signs up and completes it before March.

The "Keep Riding Through Winter" vouchers can be used in any one of Ealing's five independent bike shops and can be spent on accessories like mudguards, lights, puncture resistant tyres, gloves or other clothing for the colder months.

On-road cycle training is available for adults living in Ealing. It teaches cyclists how to be safe and confident and is suitable for all levels. Instructors will provide training anywhere in Ealing.

To book a lesson ring Cycle Training UK on Freephone 0800 093 6454 quoting "Cycle Training for Ealing". The cost is £5, or free if you are not working. Cycle training is available for children at no cost.

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for Transport and Environment, said: "Cycling is a healthy, fast, cheap and environmentally friendly way to travel and beat the traffic at any time of year."

"We want to keep people cycling through the dark winter months with free training and practical help to get the right equipment to stay safe and warm. Nothing beats the feel of the winter sun on your face on a crisp day, if you wrap up and have decent lights, you're off and ready to go."

The vouchers can be used in the following shops:

• Ealing Cycles – 9 Bond Street
• Woolsey of Acton – 281 Acton Lane
• The Bike Shop – 67 the Broadway, Greenford
• Bicycle Repair Station – Churchfield Road, Acton
• There Cycling – 60 Boston Road, Hanwell

Once cyclists have finished their cycle training, the instructor will issue the voucher.