Cycling News

Sustrans launches movie comp

YouTube generation urged to create short films to mark the 15th anniversary of Sustrans' National Cycle Network.

Sustrans wants to inspire more journeys on the National Cycle Network by compiling a collection of short movies about the impact it has made on people's lives so far.

Wallace and Gromit creative director Merlin Crossingham and TV presenter Adam Hart-Davis will use their expert judgment to select the best videos in three age categories.

Under 11s can win a family tour of the Aardman animation studios in Bristol plus an overnight stay at the city's harbourside Youth Hostel.

Four VIP passes to the 2011 Relentless NASS Action Sports and Music Festival at the Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallett are on offer for the winners in the 11 to 17 category.

And adults can win a four-night midweek break for up to four people in a Forest Holidays Cabin, at one of six Forestry Commission locations.

Sustrans Chief Executive Malcolm Shepherd said: "We are really looking forward to marking the Network's anniversary with a collection of creative and original stories revealing why people use it, how they feel, what they see and who they meet.

"The stories can be funny, witty, quirky or musical and the film doesn't have to be technically brilliant - it can be recorded on a mobile phone providing it celebrates the diversity of how the Network is used."

Merlin Crossingham said: "The most important thing is to have fun producing your film because that enjoyment is likely to spill over to the audience, and inspire them to get out on the Network."

Videos should be a maximum of two minutes in length. An upload site will go live in July.

Published Tuesday 4 May 2010