INTEREST in cycling is literally growing after Neilston’s summer programme kicked into gear at the same time as a new gardening project.

The launch event coincided with a bulb planting initiative aimed at improving the village’s environment.

Spearheaded by the Neilston Development Trust (NDT), the Volunteering Matters Action Earth project saw residents of various ages join forces to spruce up an area of land in Kingston Playing Fields.

NDT ride leaders guided the young cyclists around the village on June 3 as the heavens opened just as the group was about to set off.

The two-hour cycle was completed by a band of hardy youngsters determined not to let a little moisture spoil their day out.

Laura Carswell, NDT volunteer training and employment co-ordinator, told the Barrhead News: “The whole thing was part of the Big Bike Revival.

“They’re trying to get more people cycling and encouraging communities and families to get involved.

“We had hailstones and rain at 1pm just as we were about to start but we had six kids, three mums and a gran, plus we had a team of four ride leaders.

“We were delighted with the turnout.

“We were going to hold off because of the rain but the kids were really keen to do it so we went.

“We tied it up with planting the bulbs as part of Action Earth around the new trees in Kingston Playing Fields and headed back to the Bank Café where we enjoyed refreshments and some strawberries and grapes.”

NDT has planned a number of events over the summer to encourage as many residents from the cycle-friendly village to get on their bikes and stay active.

For more information about NDT’s summer programme, call 0141 561 1201, or email laura.carswell@neilsontrust.co.uk or admin@neilstontrust.co.uk.