A pub near Bodmin has a rather unusual feature to encourage visitors to its venue and the adjacent camel trail - after inviting a bike hire firm to be based there.

It has formed a collaboration with the locally owned business to offer bike hire from the premises with the business moving from a previous site on the other side of Bodmin.

The St Austell Brewery managed pub in Bodmin has confirmed it has teamed up with a local company to provide space for its business to run a bike hire.

Martin Jackson set up Explore by Bike in 2019 after a career in outdoor education. After running his bike hire business in Bodmin town centre, he has relocated to the Borough Arms - which backs onto the Camel Trail - a “perfect position” for Martin’s venture.

The new partnership means people can grab a bike from the Explore by Bike container in the pub’s car park and hit the trail with the most convenience. There’s free parking on site, direct access to the scenic Camel Trail and the chance to stop off in the pub for refreshments and a tasty meal before, during or after.

Martin said: “A few months back I was enquiring at the Borough Arms about a possible discount for my customers and met the area manager. We had a good conversation, and I mentioned about the pub being the perfect spot.

“Many months later, I have had planning permission approved and a lease with the pub signed. Before people would have to cycle on busy town roads to the trail, including a mile incline to cycle back up into town.

“But at the Borough Arms, people will be able to access the trail directly with no roads and there’s free parking. Many of my customers ask where they can eat or get a drink after their ride, now they will have the wonderful Borough Arms right there at the end.”

Explore by Bike is also offering package deals including one which allows customers to take their bikes on the Bodmin and Wenford steam railway.