A TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY graduate is behind the pedal-powered Christmas trees at the heart of a major London festival.

Colin Tonks helped to create the illuminated Christmas trees which have had pride of place on the banks of the River Thames throughout the Southbank Centre’s winter festival.

The trees feature more than 1km of lights which are powered entirely by 10 pairs of pedals. Each tree needs five people to pedal continually to stay illuminated.

Mr Tonks, a founder of the Electric Pedals company, which provided the trees, said: “The idea behind the pedal-powered Christmas tree is, rather than to consume at Christmas, think about giving back a little.

“If the human power station stops pedalling, then the lights don’t illuminate. In order to allow for maximum accessibility we included two BMX bikes for children and two hand-bikes for those unable to pedal a conventional cycle.”

He added: “We have been blown away by the public’s response, with times when there hasn’t been a bike free. And when people aren’t around to take part, the lights aren’t lit and power isn't going to waste.”