South Birmingham is to get a new cycling ‘hub’ after Cycle South Brum won a televised phone poll for Lottery cash.

As the runners-up in the People’s Millions for the Central TV area, Cycle South Brum have been given £50,000 for a fleet of free hire-bikes, a programme of guided rides, and training sessions. Here’s what they say they’re planning to do with the money:

“People who can't afford to get to a new job before their first pay cheque, will be able to borrow one of our free bikes.

“With 1 in 4 local children leaving primary school obese, it's essential we help kids get more active. But we find many parents don't have their own bike, meaning the family can't go on rides together. They’ll be able to borrow our free bikes too!

“The prize money will also enable more people to give cycling a try, without having to commit first by buying a bike.”

It’s not just these noble sentiments that swung the popular vote for them – but a team of little green men. The faceless green campaigners, touting posters with the phone number on, were swarming over the streets of Birmingham on Tuesday to persuade passers-by to vote for the project. “It’s been a true team effort and proof of what can be achieved when a whole community gets behind a project!”, said the organisers.

Congratulations Cycle South Brum – we’re looking forward to see the project get off the ground.