AYRSHIRE prisoners have been getting on their bikes - for a national cycling challenge.

Individuals held in custody at HMP Kilmarnock have taken part in Love to Ride, an online platform which aims to encourage people across the UK to cycle more.

Each month they set challenges and in September, HMP Kilmarnock’s PE Department and NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s Inclusive Health Team worked together to successfully adapted the challenge for a prison setting.

A total of 14 prisoners signed up to cycle as many miles as possible throughout the month using the stationary bikes in the PE Department and Wing End gyms.

A prison spokesperson said: "Participants worked together as teams to be the best in their wing and competed individually to be the top cyclist in the prison - generating some healthy competition.

"Collectively, the group cycled an impressive 3,267 miles over 239 days. This achievement earned HMP Kilmarnock a total of 5,657 points (3,267 miles + 2,390 points for days cycled).

One prisoner said: "The event was an excellent distraction from prison life for a month. Well done to everyone who was involved."

The prison now hope to build on this success and continue to engage with ‘Love to Ride’ challenges in the future.