Richmond Park saw the launch of the third Bike Across Cultures event on Saturday.

This annual community event brings together many diverse communities from Kingston and Richmond to promote healthy living in black and minority ethnic communities.

People were invited to bring along their bikes or to borrow one at the event to cycle around the park and learn about ways of staying healthy and active.

Kingston Mayor, Councillor Yogan Yoganathan launched Bike Across Cultures 2005 by cutting a ribbon.

He said: "It is very important for black and minority ethnic communities to find ways of maintaining and sustaining their health. We hope this event goes some way to help keep people healthy."

Bike Across Cultures encourages regular cycling and walking in order to reduce our chances of developing illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.

Organised by Kingston Racial Equality Council and the Ethnic Minorities Advocacy Group in Richmond the event is part of their Health Awareness programmes and is run in conjunction with local black and minority ethnic community groups.