DOZENS of residents enjoyed a bike speed dating in Southampton.

People of all ages flocked to Bargate on Saturday to get into cycling and try different types of bikes, including tandem and electric bikes.

Organised by the city council, the event aimed to encourage people to get active and use their bikes more.

Louise Elstone, from Cycle Experience, the organisation that worked in partnership with the city council, said: "We are keen to encourage Southampton residents out of their cars to try a healthy and sustainable way of travelling to school, work or for pleasure."

Ms Elstone said the event was a big success.

"It's been very good. Everybody has been very positive, they thought it was great and wanted us to come back. We hope to come back soon," she added.

Cycle Experience worked with My Journey, the sustainable transport team at Southampton City Council.

My Journey team member Cha Roisin said: "Cycling has healthy benefits and physical benefits and it helps for people's mental health. We are trying to promote people to feel comfortable on their bikes."