A MAJOR new exhibition, On Yer Bike, is opening at the Somerset County Museum in Taunton on Saturday.

The exhibition will celebrate cycling in Somerset and the Tour of Britain cycle race, which Somerset County Council is hosting in September.

Exploring nearly two hundred years of cycling in Somerset, from the Boneshaker to the Tour of Britain, the exhibition opens with a celebratory day of events, including a variety of free cycle-themed family crafts activities. The healthy aspects of cycling will also be explored, with free mini health assessments and spinning classes on offer.

Visitors can learn about how cycling has developed through the ages, investigating everything from the evolution of the bike to its health, sport and leisure uses, as well as the local history of cycling in Somerset.

A range of different bikes through time will be on display, from the Boneshaker, so-called because of its uncomfortable iron tyres, to today's lightweight hi-tech models. There will also be an opportunity to win a top-of-the-range racing bike worth £2,500, used by professional racers in the Tour of Britain.

The exhibition will run from June 30 to September 22.

Steve Minnitt, head of museums at Somerset County Council, said: This is a fantastic exhibition with tons of great activities for all the family to get involved in during the summer holiday. I am sure it will motivate many more people to get on their bikes and enjoy this fun, free and environmentally friendly form of transport."

For more details about the exhibition or range of free activities on offer throughout the school holidays, call 01823-320201.