FIREFIGHTERS are to use pedal power to help tackle fire risks this summer.

London Fire Brigade will be launching its Community Safety Cycle Team in the borough following a pilot in Hounslow.

The scheme will see a cycle team operate across Greenwich, Bromley and Bexley until October.

Riding specially-marked mountain bikes, the eight riders will patrol in pairs.

The riders will cover open land and parkland to identify potential arson sites, as well as fire risks in other areas such as abandoned vehicles and cylinders, empty properties and overgrown hedges.