REPAIRS to a puncture or a broken chain will only be a phone call away for York cyclists from later this month.

A York man has set up what he believes is Britain's first cycle-powered emergency breakdown service for city bikers. Andy Scaife said his BikeRescue club will provide roadside assistance and recovery for cyclists who find themselves in trouble while on the roads.

Andy, of Lowther Terrace, has a team of rescue trailers on hand to fix broken gears, dodgy seats or even flat tyres.

In keeping with the environmentally friendly theme, he doesn't use a van but will utilise a bike to reach cyclists in need. He is offering people complete cover within the city walls for £20 and an extra £5 will see him pedal out to York's outer villages.

"I can get from the city centre to Monks Cross in eight minutes," he said. "When our members pay an annual subscription, they know that if a bike they are riding breaks down in the York area, we are just a phone call away.

"Punctures will be our main thing, particularly when the nasty weather starts, but we will cater for almost anything."

As well as repairs, BikeRescue will also take bikes home, to a bike shop for repairs, or even lend a courtesy bike if a member is really stuck.

The initiative was backed by Paul Hepworth, press officer for the North Yorkshire Cycling Tourists Club, who said: "More and more people are discovering that bicycles are one of the quickest ways, particularly in the rush hour, of getting from York to the suburbs and villages.

BikeRescue is available by phoning 07745 482959.

Updated: 08:40 Monday, June 30, 2003