ELDERLY people in the Wee County can go on excursions in style thanks to the launch of a trishaw service last week.

The Cycling Without Age Scotland (CWAS) charity will be delivering miles with smiles with volunteers taking interested people from around the county on short trips using the three-wheeled bikes.

Local Henry Gill was instrumental in driving the project forward and securing funds while also becoming one of the "pilots" who will hop in the saddle in a bid to keep people active, reducing isolation by offering the social activity.

Routes in the area will take people around Clackmannanshire's cycling routes, taking in green spaces, and even though one trishaw is now in place, Henry is hopeful there is scope to secure another for the area.

He said: "It's more of a social event than a cycle ride.

"We've got a trishaw and a storage area, once we get our second trishaw – which we are aiming for now – it'll be more of a social event because you can take out more people together."

The trishaws can take two passengers at a time plus the pilot, at the moment an outrider is also needed to deal with any potential problems or breakdowns.

Further fundraising is ongoing and the project has some bids in with hopes a second bike will soon arrive.

The initiative was launched at Beechwood Park Care Home in Sauchie with residents there offered the opportunity to trial the service during a brief trip up to the golf club next door.

Risk assessments are currently being carried out for proper routes around the area.

According to Henry, the benefits of going on a trishaw ride were evident even after a short trip.

He explained: "By the time they got some fresh air, a bit of chat with some people, a ride on the bike – they were a different person.

"They were uplifted, they were happy – it was great to see."

Henry is the only pilot available at the moment but he is in the process of training some volunteers.

Anyone from the area looking to go on a trishaw ride to take on some of the local green spaces, get some fresh air and a good blether can phone him on 01259 215 034 to arrange a time.

The trishaw is based in Sauchie but Henry will do everything possible to take people from around the whole of the Wee County.

Those interested in helping out, perhaps starting another chapter to expand the service further around Clackmannanshire for better access, can also call the above number or Cycling Without Age Scotland can be reached via info@cyclingwithoutage.scot or on 01324 467 272.

"Delighted", Henry wanted to say thanks to everyone locally who contributed to the project.