HAMILTON Panthers Under-12s 'B' team aim to get on their bikes pedal to the top.

They received a bonus when they were given a new strip by Sustrans, the charity which develops the national cycle network.

Sustrans are to open a new route between Hob Moor in York and Millennium Bridge. Part of it will run past Panthers' headquarters at Little Knavesmire so the organisation thought it was fitting they should help kit out the York British Sungar Minor League side.

Meanwhile, another Minor League side, Wigginton Grasshoppers Under-15s, have been given a £200 donation by gas pipeline operator Transco to pay for shower proof training tops.

Transco's Colin Bradshaw, who helps run the team in U15 division two, said the new equipment would be a great asset. "There can't be any excuses in our promotion run now," he added.

Burnholme Community College's U16s are also kitted out for action.

Joe Hewkin, a member of the team, wrote letters to prospective sponsors and received a positive response from food outlet Barbe Q 1 on Hull Road

There was no staff involvement as Joe collected the money, chose the strip and arranged for its delivery.

Updated: 11:38 Friday, March 22, 2002