One of Britain's most decorated Olympians has been helping Macclesfield children learn to cycle.

Sir Chris Hoy recently visited Everybody Health & Leisure on Priory Lane to assist with the centre's Bikeability sessions.

The six-time Olympic champion lent his time to support children taking their first few lessons in cycling, sharing his own memories of learning to ride.

Sir Chris said: "I remember learning to ride a bike for the first time.

"My friend's dad taught us; I had watched ET and been inspired by all the BMX bikes in that film so that's the moment when I got the bug and wanted to get into cycling!

"Learning to cycle is a life skill that all children should have, it gives you confidence and the ability to get around under your own steam. It gives you a sense of freedom, it's great exercise and a lot of fun.

"I think the Bikeability programme is fantastic, it's great to be here and see it in action on this glorious sunny day.

"It's so important, I used to cycle to school and its often a concern for parents to decide whether they can allow their children to cycle on the roads but if you've got the right training it can be a great way to get around.

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"It's fantastic what Bikeability do, helping kids gain confidence, skills and learn safely."

The Bikeability programme is an initiative delivered by Everybody as part of the national Bikeability programme, a practical training programme that provides schoolchildren with a life skill and enables them to cycle confidently and competently on today's roads.

Thomas Barton, CEO of Everybody Health & Leisure, said: "Cycling is a key life skill that it is imperative for young people to learn.

"We were so grateful to Sir Chris Hoy for visiting our track at Macclesfield to see what we are doing here and hopefully inspire some of the younger generation to make physical activity a bigger part of their lives."

Emily Cherry, chief executive of the Bikeability Trust, added: "It's wonderful to see Sir Chris Hoy supporting the Bikeability programme and the vital role it plays in giving children the skills and confidence to cycle safely.

"Moments like this help highlight how Bikeability can inspire a lifelong love of cycling and open up bright futures."