AWA digital agency, based at the Round Foundry Media Centre in Holbeck has signed up to the Government's Bike to Work scheme, which gives its 20 staff a chance to lease a new bike and safety equipment for a fraction of the usual cost.

They have to agree to cycle to the office for at least half the working week then at the end of the year-long lease they can buy the bike for a nominal fee.

Alasdair Wightman, 37-year-old managing director, was one of the first to sign up and agree to leave his car at home.

He said: "As a company we're always looking at ways to reduce the negative impact that our activities have on the environment and travel is a big part of this."

He is now looking forward to using pedal power to get from Headingley to the city centre at least three times a week.

He said: "Currently half of our employees walk, take public transport or cycle to work, and we're hoping that more will decide to ditch their cars in favour of two wheels as a result of the Bike to Work scheme.

"A lot of the team are very active so it's also a nice benefit to offer them and a great initiative to get behind."

Mr Wightman described Leeds car parking fees as "astronomical" and is looking forward to saving around £100 a month, as well as reaping the health and environmental benefits.

AWA has teamed up with the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative for the green transport project and everyone working for the firm is eligiblet.

Payment is deducted from their gross pay, so they pay less tax and National Insurance and AWA can then claim back the VAT on each bike leased and pass the saving on to its employees.

So far two workers have signed up and another three are considering it.