A CYCLIST and adventurer opened a school's bike shed as part of a scheme to encourage youngsters to become more active.

Alastair Humphreys, who has completed a four-year bicycle journey around the world, visited Thornhill Primary School, Shildon.

His visit on Friday (March 14) formed part of Sustrans’ Big Pedal campaign.

Joe Spedding, Sustrans’ Families Enjoying Active Travel officer, said: “The kids have loved it and it was a special chance for them to meet someone who has ridden round the world.

“Hopefully the visit will encourage the youngsters to use their bikes more and to become more active.”

Mr Humphreys began his 46,000 mile round the world trip in 2001 during which he travelled in Europe, Africa, South America and Asia.

He gave a motivational talk to the pupils to try to make them become more active before he opened the bike shed.