AS work progresses on a new traffic-free path and new bridge across the River Teign in Kingsteignton, youngsters in the town can take part in a competition to win bikes and kit worth hundreds of pounds.

The Life Cycle challenge invites five to 16-year-olds to create an artwork which celebrates life on two wheels.

Words, images, audio or video are all being encouraged with submissions due by the August 23 deadline.

It has been launched by minerals firm Sibelco which is funding the new 800m path currently under construction along Old Exeter Road.

It will link the popular Stover Way with other dedicated cycle paths at Newcross where former clay quarries have been transformed into vital new housing.

Sibelco has delivered, enabled or committed to 9km of traffic-free routes in and around the town in the last few years.

The firm’s Ben Uphill said: ‘With schools breaking up for the summer we thought it timely to remind youngsters that we’ve a challenge they can enjoy in the holiday, one which could net them a wonderful new bike.

‘We’ve all seen this past year or two just how popular life on two wheels is becoming and we’re very proud to have played our part in making cycling so much safer by creating a network of traffic-free routes.

‘Now we hope the young people of Kingsteignton will demonstrate through their artistic endeavors just how much they love cycling and I look forward to presenting the prizes later in the year.’

The bikes and safety kit will include a Frog hybrid for the primary school winner and a Giant mountain bike for the senior.

Both will come with helmet, gloves, hi-vis jacket and lights.

The kits is being supplied by Kingsteignton firm Hot Pursuit Cycles. Director Chris Berry will be on the judging panel together with

Cllr Jackie Hook, Teignbridge District Council’s climate change champion, and Kingsteignton Mayor Cllr Ron Peart who is also a County Councillor, welcomed the competition.

Another distinguished member of the panel is former Olympian, Commonwealth Games and Tour de France rider Colin Lewis who is president of Mid-Devon Cycle Club.

‘Anything to encourage people to take up cycling has my backing,’ he said.

How to enter the competition

COMPETITION entries should be emailed to [email protected].

Video or audio submissions must not exceed 60 seconds and be sent via file sharing services such as Dropbox and We Transfer.

The winners will be announced in the autumn and invited to Hot Pursuit for a fitting.

The junior prize is a Frog hybrid and the senior a Giant mountain bike. Both will come with helmet, gloves, hi-vis jacket and lights.

Entrants must live or attend school in Kingsteignton.