Hospital staff were rewarded for cycling to work with a free breakfast as part of Green Transport Week.

Staff at the Royal United Hospital, Bath, took part in a cycle to work day that was organised to encourage healthier ways of getting to work.

Physiotherapist manager and keen cyclist Jim Grant said: "For some of us bringing the car into work has become a habit and we forget the pleasures of walking or cycling."

Chief executive Mark Davies cycled from Chippenham, which was an easy downhill ride on the way there but was a struggle uphill on the way home.

Director of facilities Stephen Holt said: "If journeys are short, cycling to work is often quicker than driving and healthier too."

The National Health Service takes part in about five per cent of all motor journeys in the UK. It is hoped more people cycling to work will result in less people suffering heart attacks.

Weight gain is one factor that increases risk of coronary heart disease, a condition that affects more people in the UK than in most other countries.