THE Peebles’ branch of the international charity Cycling Without Age has obtained a new wheelchair bike to add to their trishaw.

And they’ve name it ‘Cissy’ after the woman who was the first to take advantage of their offer of a ride in the trishaw when the branch started.

And 96-year-old Cissy whose Sunday name is Isabella Gowans is ‘chuffed.'

Co-ordinator Jo Cunliffe told the Peeblesshire News: “Cycling Without Age is a movement started in Denmark 10-years ago and aims to help elderly men and women experience the joy of cycling without having to peddle. And also to get them out in the fresh air for a wind and hair experience.

“Our branch was just getting into our stride when lockdown started so everything has been on hold for two years but after getting a grant from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund we were able to buy the wheelchair bike which cost £10,500 and allows us to take people out without them having to get out of their chair.

“And we decided to name the bike ‘Cissy’ after Isabella who was the first to agree to try out our trishaw when we started our branch.”

Cissy’s daughter Lorna Smith said: “‘Mum absolutely loves her time out on the bike. She loves her trips into the countryside to see the lambs.

“Most of all she enjoys the craic and having fun with the other passengers and volunteers. Her name is actually Isabella and she has a great sense of humour.

“She is chuffed to have the bike named after her and to be getting back out again. Before lockdown she was out on the trishaw so much, people asked if it was actually her own bike!

“When she was going out this week after the long break she said to me, ‘I’d love to go out but I might no’ be able to pedal.”

The Peebles branch of CWA currently has 12-volunteers but would welcome others. Interested parties can email cwapeebles.com or leave a message on their Facebook page.