A REVOLUTIONARY York business scooped a major award last night - and is thanking the Evening Press.

Wheel Alternatives, also known as Cyclone Couriers, scooped a Big Issue Big Difference Award with its environmentally-friendly pedal power service.

And it is the company's delivery of the Evening Press, twice-a-day, six times a week, that has won it recognition on the streets of York.

The yellow bikes, out distributing Yorkshire's fastest-growing daily paper, have been spotted and used by other businesses, keeping yet more vans out of York's city centre.

The bikes, which can hold up to a quarter of a ton, also deliver beer, parcels and even people in their ever-expanding role as an environmentally-friendly and cutting-edge company.

They offer traditional Indian-style rickshaws available for weddings, fairs and even for use by schools and a Banana Bugs service which uses people carriers to take up to two adults and one child to restaurants, the railway station and the theatre, as well as taking visitors on city tours.

"It is incredible to win this award," said director Chris Hamm.

"We have to work very hard in this job and it is good to be rewarded in this way.

"Delivering the Evening Press had meant our bicycles are out there on the streets and we are getting new business all the time.

"Our bikes are the best advert a company could have as they are always on the move around the city."

Updated: 08:59 Monday, March 26, 2001