A WHITEFIELD-based cycling company has clinched the top step, winning a prestigious award.

The Nationwide Cycling Academy claimed the Business Partner of the Year accolade at the CUBO awards for their work providing more than 600 discounted, reconditioned bikes to Manchester University Students.

The programme was delivered by the NCA's sister company Urban Cycle Centre, which aims to help students choose more economical and sustainable travel options in the city and reduce air pollution.

Julie Woodruff, founder and director of the NCA, from Prestwich, said: “This award win is an amazing achievement for us and I couldn’t be prouder of the whole team. We are all very proud of our roots within Greater Manchester and are committed to the local area, so by winning this award for work we did with our local university is incredible.”

The NCA, which launched in 2008, employs 15 people and runs a variety of initiatives from cycling courses to maintenance and selling bikes.

For more information visit www.ncagb.co.uk or follow on Twitter @ncagb and Facebook.