A BRIDGWATER bike maker was covering new ground in 1998 after producing a three-seater bicycle.

St John Street cycles, which made the Thorn range of bikes, unveiled the new creation, which had space for an adult and two children.

Partner Robin thorn said: "We make tandems but we have been asked by families if we would make a bike with space for two children.

"The three-seater has taken about a year to develop. We initially built a bike for three adults and rode all over Exmoor with it to try it out, doing hundreds of miles.

"It would be ideal for the school run.

"Once you have dropped the kids off, it is stable enough for an adult to ride it on their own."

The bike was already proving popular, with orders coming from as far afield as Scotland.

Our picture shows, front to back, Andy Blance, Natalie Brooks and James Thorn.