NEVER mind the Boris Bikes in London - East Lancashire now has its own two-wheeled solution for intrepid tourists.

Urban explorers who want to barrel around Blackburn or travel the trails of Todmorden can take advantage of a new rail cycling scheme.

Under Bike & Go, riders can hire a sturdy red bike at train station in each of the towns, for up to 72 hours at a time, for only £3.80 a day.

Around a dozen are available at Blackburn and a slightly smaller number is expected to be made available at Todmorden by train operator Northern Rail.

The Raleigh bikes being used come with front and rear luggage carriers, dynamo lights and their own locks, so they can be secured outside shops and pubs.

Riders have to register credit or debit card details to join the scheme and can collect keys to bikes on handing their Bike & Go cards in at the ticket office.

A Bike & Go spokesman said: “This gives you all the comfort and convenience of travelling by train with the freedom and flexibility of riding a bike.

Originally the initiative was launched on Merseyside and on the East Coast but has now been extended to the north-west.

Other Lancashire locations in the pipeline include Morecambe and Blackpool North, with Manchester Oxford Road, Rochdale, Halifax and Hebden Bridge also taking part.

Bikes can be kept overnight, during the three-day hire period but must be returned to its original base during station opening hours.