PEDAL power was put to the test as 100 children christened the opening of a new cycle track.

Southend mayor Ann Holland cut the ribbon for the new cycle track, which runs the length of the seafront.

The new cycle track forms part of a cycle route that runs from Basildon to Shoebury East Beach, as part of the National Cycle Network.

One hundred children from across the town donned their bike helmets for a one-mile lap around the new track, from Grosvenor Road to Chalkwell Esplanade at Chalkwell station.

For Harrison Lee, of Prince Avenue, Westcliff, the bikeathon provided the chance for a bike trip along the seafront with his younger brother and parents.

The nine-year-old said: “It was really good fun because I am really into bike riding.

“I was really happy I was able to take part in it, especially with my family because it was such a good thing to do with your family.”

His mum Caroline said: “It was really good despite the weather and it is something different to do on Father’s Day.

“We all love to cycle, so we will definitely be using the track in the future.”

Money raised from the bikeathon will be donated to the Leukaemia and Lymphoma research charity.

Collette Kemp, who works for Cycle Southend, said: “It was nice to see so many children turn up and show their support for the new cycle track.

“Lots of the children did about six or seven laps of the track because they were all so keen.

“It looks fantastic as it provides lovely views of Southend seafront while on your bike and lots of people are already using it, which is really good to see.”