For nearly 2,500 of the 60,000 undergraduates at the University of Leeds and Leeds Met cycle to campus.

To support them and to promote cycling as a healthy activity, a new bike hub has been opened.

Students dropped in for the launch in the Roger Stevens building at Leeds University.

They took their bikes for checks by cycle dealer Tony Woodrup of Kirkstall and saw the range of tools available for their use.

And medical student Sarah Clark, 20, from Bath, demonstrated pedal power by lighting up nearly 300 Christmas lights. She generated 50 to 80 watts of electricity by turning over a motor linked to a converter.

Sarah brought her six-year-old bike with her from the West Country and cycles from her Hyde Park home to university, shops and the pub.

"It's so old," she joked, "I don't even know what make it is. I really haven't a clue about the mechanics and so it was good to get advice today. Tony oiled it up for me and told me I had to get a new bracket.

"The bike hub is very convenient for me as it is only a minute's walk from my lectures."

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Tony, who supplies bikes for hire to the universities, had a steady stream of visitors wanting tips.

"Some of the bikes needed adjustments to the brakes and gears," he said, "and two of them were in such bad condition that I am taking them away to my workshop for repairs.

"I shall be here again to give advice in January and eventually I hope to come once a week."

Dr Lisa Brannan, project manager foir the Velocampus bike hub, said it was part of an initiative called UTravelActive which is funded by the Big Lottery.

"It will provide a focal point for cycle maintenance, training, bike hire, cycle safety and route information," she said, "and general advice on the best way to get about on two wheels.

"We plan to build up use of the bike hub and it will be available to other cycling groups as well.

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"Last year we had maintenance workshops in the night club in the students' union but now we have the designated space we wanted. These offices were empty and give us room to store our hire bikes.

"I personally cycle regularly," she added, "and find the most practical way in winter is to wear a skirt and boots."