COLOURFUL crotchet bikes have been popping up across Largs and Millport in a bid to bring some pedal power to peoples' summer.

Cycle Ayrshire volunteers have been busy 'yarn bombing' the town with the fun displays on lamp posts, bike stands and signposts as they promoted their Cumbrae cycle event.

The group's efforts were to encourage people to join them on the Belle's Big Ride on Saturday.

The event was aimed at getting more women on their bikes, with members completing 'fun laps' of the island.

Cycle Ayrshire Secretary, Pat Standen, said: "The Belles are a cycling group within the Cycle Ayrshire group with members from Largs, West Kilbride, Ardrossan and all over Ayrshire.

"The Belle's Big Ride is part of wider UK initiative aimed at women, as they are believed to be in the minority when it comes to cycling.

"As Ayrshire cyclists we would disagree with this - we think a lot of women cycle, maybe just not in groups."

The Yarn Bombing was an idea thought up by the creative women to promote the day, with their work spotted at Morrisons, Largs train station, Cumbrae slip, Lion Rock and the Garrison.

Pat added: "The idea behind the yarn bombing was to make cycling more visible and showcase all of the facilities which are available for cyclists, like bike stands.

"It encourages people to stop and actually take notice of them, rather than when they are grey and dull and easy to walk past.

"I had seen yarn bombing in other places and as I spoke to more of the ladies we found that actually a lot of us knitted, so we thought it would be a great idea."

Pat added: "We decided to have it on the island because it’s such a simple route and a lot of women are concerned about breaking down or getting lost on cycles, so this way it was easy for people to get involved.

"It also has fantastic views and the roads are quiet, so it’s a great way to get people excited about cycling."