SINGING and biking proved a popular draw for passers-by in a display laid on for York's second learning festival.

Children from three York schools, Headlands and Oaken Grove in Haxby, and Fulford Cross, sang some songs in European languages.

At the same time, a display by the Recyclist Project, which runs schemes to teach young cyclists how to give their bikes an MOT, completed the picture and Dave Tabron, from the scheme, said many people were signing up.

The mixture of different activities was all part of the festival's aim to encourage people to try learning new things.

There was also table tennis on show, with a surprise visit from the Swedish under-12 champion.

Liz McNeil, from festival organisers Learning City York, said: "Today's gone really well and is all part of the festival's aim of raising the profile of learning."

The festival ends tonight with a charity film event at City Screen called Film, Food And Fun. It will feature a screening of Finding Forrester, starring Sean Connery, and will raise money for St Leonard's Hospice.

Updated: 11:50 Monday, July 02, 2001