BRIGHTON Housing Trust staff have won a contest encouraging employees to cycle more.

It scooped the Brighton and Hove cycle challenge for organisations with 200 to 499 staff by encouraging more than 15 per cent of its staff to ride to work during March.

The competition was run by Brighton and Hove City Council in conjunction with Love To Ride, an online platform encouraging people to take up cycling.

It encouraged all staff to log their cycle rides on the Love To Ride Brighton and Hove website during March.

The number of trust staff who took part was more than double its nearest rival, the University of Brighton.

Funding has now been agreed for another three years for organisations to take part.

Members of staff from the housing trust were presented with their prize at a reception in the mayor’s parlour with Mayor of Brighton and Hove Pete West.

Daniel O’Connell, the trust’s head of human resources and learning and development said: “This was a wonderful initiative supported by an interactive webpage engaging staff to log their rides and encourage others.

“Our staff recognise the link in their wellbeing for themselves as well as our clients and residents.

“They cycled 1,293 miles, saving 635lb of CO2, saving money, reducing our emissions and getting fitter at the same time.

“We are already looking forward to next year.

“I would like to thank our colleagues at the city council and at Love To Ride for arranging this enjoyable challenge.

“It has inspired many colleagues and will have benefits well beyond the challenge itself.

“It might not be an actual cycling revolution but it has brought about change for me and many of my colleagues.”

Councillor West was delighted to welcome staff into his offices at the town hall.

He is a keen cyclist too and is staging a charity bike ride on Sunday.