TWO cycling fanatics who are the "heart of local cycling" have been presented with a signed jersey in recognition of their commitment to community cycling.

Gerald Pleace and Bruce Hicks, who both work for Slough Borough Council's parks team, were given the jersey signed by members of the Great Britain cycling team for their work in improving the Slough cycling scene over the past 10 years.

The pair were both founder members of Slough Freewheelers cycling club, which celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this year, and regularly get groups of around 20 to 30 people to go out and cycle around the borough.

The jersey was presented to them at a special gathering in Salt Hill Park, and was presented by leader of the council, Sohail Munawar.

Gerald said: “We are both very grateful for this recognition and are pleased we have been able to encourage people to cycle more often.

“We will treasure the jersey and we appreciate the kind words from councillors and the support of our friends, many of whom turned up for the presentation.”

The jersey was donated by British Cycling and signed by Laura Trott, Dani King and Joanna Rowsell-Shand.

Also present was Savio De Cruz, head of transport and highways for Slough Borough Council, Andrew Chaston from British Cycling and several of Bruce and Gerald’s cycling buddies from both Slough Freewheelers and within the council.

Cllr Munawar said: “Whenever there is some sort of cycling event or initiative in Slough you can be guaranteed to find Gerald and Bruce at the centre of it, inspiring others with their genuine love of cycling.

“They’ve spent countless hours of their own time encouraging people to get out on their bikes and reap the many benefits of cycling, whether it’s a healthier lifestyle, a healthier bank balance or a less congested journey to or from work.

“They truly are at the heart of local cycling and on behalf of everyone at Slough Borough Council, British Cycling and Slough Freewheelers I’d like to thank them for their tireless dedication to the cause."