A SOCIAL enterprise in Whiteinch has been recognised as a cycle friendly employer with a award for staff, volunteers and trainees.

Glasgow Wood Recycling (GWR) is the 153rd workplace in the city to gain the award, joining more than 500 across Scotland, and recently entered the Glasgow and Clyde Cycle Challenge, coming in second after cycling more than 4,000km. One team member finished third individually cycling nearly 1,200km.

Eileen Hamill, development worker and cycle champion at Glasgow Wood Recycling, said: "We are delighted to get this award and it was a great way to start Bike Week. We’d encourage other employers to get involved with the scheme.

"Making it easier for more of our people to cycle to work has had a real positive impact on the whole organisation. We now have 13 people regularly cycling to work.

"Our involvement in the Cycle Challenge has really bought the competitive edge out in people, even encouraging some people to leave the car at home and take the bike to work."

GWR also hopes to enter a team in Pedal for Scotland in September.

Merle Collett, Glasgow Wood Recycling cyclist, added: “People have been telling me cycling is great for years but I didn’t really get it until now. I love the freedom my bike has given me and have loved getting out and about on my bike during the cycle challenge.

"It’s given me the confidence to keep cycling.”