Perrywood Garden Centre near Tiptree in Essex has decorated and planted up ten bikes which are displayed in-store ahead of the Tour de France coming to Essex.

In the car park are four bikes in the colours of the four jersey colours – riding up-hill with the yellow jersey in the lead. Our ‘potty’ cyclist is in pride of place at the entrance, and looks like he is ready to join the tour at any moment!

In-store customers are being encouraged to find the remaining five bikes - which include a seaside themed bike covered in shells and a Provence garden scene - to be in with a chance of winning a £20 Perrywood Gift Voucher.

Communications Manager Hannah Powell commented: “We are well known for our creative displays and the team has been very busy spray painting, planting and building. There is a lot of excitement about the Tour de France coming through Essex so we wanted to play our part.”

The bikes were sourced from Colchester-based charity Re-cycle in return for a donation. They ship donated bikes, tools and spare parts to Africa, where trusted partner organisations refurbish and distribute them. They have sent out more than 54,000 so far. www.re-cycle.org