A MINISTER of State for Transport took to the streets of Finchley and Whetstone on Sunday as part of an annual cycle rally.

Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, joined around 140 adults and children on the third annual Greenacre Cycle Rally.

Ms Villiers completed the whole of the 3.5mile course and praised the organisers for promoting cycling in the borough.

She added: “I was pleased to be able to take part for the second year running. And this time, I had the time to complete the whole ride, although I found some of the up-hill sections a big challenge."

Organiser Mike Gee said he was “happy” the numbers were similar to last year's event, but admitted he was a bit disappointed they had not attracted more riders.

He said: “It was a good day, we hd a good mix of people on the ride and a lot of them were taking part in the ride for the second or third time and had last year's flags on their bike.

“It means a lot Transport Minister did the ride as it shows there I sa commitment to cycling in the borough and hopefully we will start to see more improvements.”

Mayor of Barnet Anthony Finn officially started the race at Tally Ho Corner, with the route taking the riders to the Environment Fair at Barnet Countryside Centre in Byng Road.