Thurrock Council has bought eight bikes for housing staff - and got eight cars off the roads.

The sheltered housing department has bought the bikes to help staff get between the borough's various sites.

The aim, says the council, is to keep staff members fit and healthy and get eight cars off the borough’s roads.

Councillor Lynn Worrall, portfolio holder for housing, said: “When I heard about this I thought it was a great idea.

"Taking eight cars off our congested roads for short journeys might not make a huge impact, but it does set the right example.

“Housing has split the borough up into four areas, each with several complexes and some just a mile or so apart.

“Each area has a couple of bikes and using them is not only more efficient in cost, health, and environment terms, there are times when it’s probably quicker too.”