WORKERS at a Worcester-based company have got on their bikes to raise money for two cycling charities.

People working at Aquabio, a water treatment company, raised £927.30 for two UK cycling charities, Sustrans and Cycling UK.

The donation was made as part of a company scheme called SHIFT (Sustainability and Health in Future Transport).

Through it, employees are encouraged to log their kilometres using tracker Strava, while cycling for work or leisure.

For every kilometre cycled, Aquabio donates 2.5 pence to a nominated charity.

Last year, 21 Aquabio employees registered a ride in 2018, and tracked more than 1,000 commutes to the company's Hallow office and other sites.

Dan Brothwell, general manager at Aquabio, said: “For the second year running SHIFT has demonstrated that a tiny incentive is enough to encourage people to use a bike as a regular means of transport.

"The knock-on benefits to individuals and the wider society are well documented, and at Aquabio we have good news to share, a stronger and more beautiful team, and a happier workplace.

"It’s a win win win win win. The aim now is to try and get other companies to join the scheme.”

Since the SHIFT initiative was launched, Aquabio employees have collectively cycled more than 80,000 km, which they believe equates to 9,440 kg of CO2 that would otherwise have been released into the atmosphere.

Claire Mantell, of Sustrans, said: “Thank you to all our friends at Aquabio both for raising vitally need funds whilst at the same time showing other businesses, large and small, what is possible when you have the will to make a difference.”

James Palser, of Cycling UK, added: “It’s fantastic to see how the SHIFT scheme has motivated more people to start cycling to work.

"We’re thrilled that Aquabio have chosen to channel the funds back into cycling, and this generous donation will help us continue our work to champion cycling as an activity for everyone.”

To find out more about joining the scheme visit www.goshift.co.uk