Staff at York company CPP got on their bikes today for the launch of a new campaign to keep traffic off the roads.

The company's campaign, called Helping York Go Green, aims to raise awareness of environmental issues and employees were also hoping to raise cash for our Hospice 2000 appeal at the same time.

All workers were urged to come to work by "green" transport today, and all those who arrived by car were charged, to raise money for our Hospice 2000 appeal, in aid of St Leonard's Hospice in Tadcaster Road, York.

A sponsored Bike-a-thon also took place on exercise bikes in the company rest room, with CPP donating £1 for every mile covered by staff to the appeal.

Today's drive to go green also coincided with European Car Free Day.

The first initiative of the campaign has been a new "bike pool" equipped with five bikes, which will be available for staff to use during shift breaks.

Other ideas being considered include the provision of a company minibus, a car-sharing scheme and a bus pass loan scheme.

An electric bike is also available for staff on a two-month trial basis.

A bicycle loan scheme enables staff to borrow money towards buying a bike.

Amanda Crawford, CPP's event organiser, arrived at work in a modern rickshaw.

She said: "It is vital that we get the message across to the local community that we are working hard to create a better environment. The bike pool will hopefully eliminate the need for staff to travel by car for short journeys between shifts, and will therefore help towards our goal of reducing emissions.

"We are actively encouraging staff to cut down on car travel wherever possible.

"If the bike pool is a success amongst staff, we will look to expand it over the coming months and years."

* Year Five pupils from nearby Poppleton Road Primary School took part in a competition to design posters with an environmental theme for the campaign.

Prizes for the best designs were also presented today and the posters displayed at the CPP headquarters, with the three winners releasing 300 biodegradable balloons.

newsdesk@ycp.co.uk