A FORMER fire officer has set up his own green business – as a cycle courier.

Ken Holder from Plympton is scorching around the streets of Plymouth thanks to his new venture, City Cycle Couriers.

One day Mr Holder hopes to have a team of couriers covering the whole city.

But for now the 38-year-old is clocking up 200 miles every week by delivering documents and drumming up new business.

A former racing cyclist, who has competed with stars such as Tour de France stage winner Mark Cavendish, he uses what used to be his winter training bike – a lightweight but tough aluminium-framed machine with some special modifications.

Its white frame makes it more visible, it has super quality lights, extra-low gears to cope with Plymouth hills and even a special bicycle sat-nav and a hands-free BlackBerry.

Ken has fitted the bike with mountain bike pedals so he can wear shoes that he can walk in and wears a back-pack with reflective strips.

His special shorts have pockets for his gear and his racing jerseys are designed just for him.

And he always, always wears a crash helmet – just as well, as he was knocked off his bike in the first 10 days of business.

His bike is fitted with a compact rachet lock to stop it getting stolen when he has to leave it.

Ken said: "For getting documents across the city to be signed and returned, I charge half the price of a taxi. I work for Plymouth City Council, which is keen to use a service which is better for the environment, and for small local companies.

Check out Ken's website at www.citycyclecouriers-plymouth.com