A SENIOR citizen who suffers from ill health and cares for his wife says he is on the right road after jumping on a bike for the first time in 55 years.

Pensioner Fraser Dempsie cares for his wife Elizabeth, who has MS.

The Wemyss Bay man also suffers from a neurological disorder himself.

But a chance meeting with Clyde Activity Bikes at the Inverkip Community Hub set the wheels in motion for a new hobby.

The 69-year-old was on his way to a carers' therapy session when CAB encourage him to give it a try.

Now he is joining them for their weekly group rides in Gourock.

Grandad Fraser, of Greenock Road, said:

"I hadn't been on a bike since I was 14.

"It is true what they say, you don't forget, it's like riding a bike!

"I was going to the Inverkip Hub for a session with the carers' centre and the guys with the bikes were there and encouraged me to have a go.

"I thought to myself, 'why not?'"

Fraser suffers from peripheral neuropathy which leaves his feet, hands and legs numb and cares for Elizabeth, 70.

He said: "I felt better myself after the cycling, although I am definitely not built for speed!

"But I am going to go on their group runs, it is great to be out in the fresh air."

Fraser was also full of praise for the Inverkip Hub, where Clyde Activity Bikes had a recent drop in.

He added: "It is a brilliant facility and we use it all the time.

"If it wasn't for the hub I would not have been on a bike."

Clyde Activity Bikes instructor Stephen McGrath said: "It is unbelievable how busy we are now and it was great to get Fraser back on a bike."

Clyde Activity Bikes make use of the national cycle path to organise group runs in Gourock.

They take place on Wednesday mornings at 10.30am and again in the evening at 6.30pm, both leaving from the Gourock Royal Yacht Club.

They also have bike hires and run drop-ins at community centres.

To find out more contact Stephen McGrath on 07867797757.