ENGLAND'S heart-breaking defeat by France didn't leave all council staff with a Monday morning hangover.

Employees took part in a rush-hour commuter challenge using bike, bus, tram, car and their feet to get from Radcliffe to Bury.

And, as befits National Bike Week, the top three places were all won by cyclists.

First to be greeted at the finish line by the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Wilf Davison, was senior accountant Nigel Hunt from the chief executive's department who cycled via on-road cycle lanes in only 10 minutes and 55 seconds.

He was followed in 12mins 56 secs by social worker Ken Smith, who took the scenic canal-side route. In third place was environmental projects officer Chris Wilkinson, who cycled via Ainsworth Road.

Chris shared third place with Metrolink user Karen Warren, a council car park assistant, and motorist Nina Wilson, an administrative assistant, in 17 minutes.

Completing the field was bus user Rob Sawyer, a senior transportation officer (27mins), and walker Graham O'Connor, from the council's rights of way team (36 mins).

Coun Davison said: "The challenge demonstrated that the car is not always the most efficient means of transport in Bury. Public transport and, on shorter journeys, cycling, offer viable alternatives. Hopefully, more commuters will be inspired to leave the car at home."