A pensioner has started a campaign to turn Halstead into a haven for cycling enthusiasts.

Jane Giffould has drawn up a list of proposals to make the town more cycle-friendly and has been invited to give a presentation to the town council.

The former teacher said: “Halstead is not very cycle friendly.

“It’s not our fault we have got a hill and we can’t do anything about that because we’re in a valley.”

However, Ms Giffould said there was no reason why more cyclists could not enjoy pedalling around Halstead.

The 67-year-old identified two potential sites for a cycle path and a host of other recommendations.

Ms Giffould has set up the Easy Riders Cycling Group with Halstead Chamber of Trade chairman Anne-Maree Robertson.

The group practice a more leisurely way of cycling, with shorter routes pedalled at a steady speed.

For more information, contact Anne-Maree on 07960 594900.