AN OSTEOPATHIC practice has been making the headlines thanks to an unusual Tour de France decoration.

‘Steve the Skeleton’ was brought out of his office at Ilkley Osteopathic Practice and reluctantly placed on his yellow bike outside.

After a little encouragement ‘Steve the Skeleton’ got pedalling, thanks to from James and Adam, from Ilkley Cycles, who helped him out a bit by fitting him with a motorised turbo trainer. Steve very quickly became the talk of the town and has had numerous people stop their cars to take photos of him. He has also been on ITV’s Calendar news and featured on various Tour de France websites.

To mark the occasion of the Grand Depart in Yorkshire Ilkley Osteopaths are offering readers of this newspaper 25 per cent off their first visit when they produce a copy of this story. The offer is available on all therapies at the clinic which includes osteopathy, sports therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Osteopath Amos Grech-Cini, who is a regular cyclist with Ilkley Cycling Club, said the practice wanted to give something back to the town to celebrate the Tour de France coming.

“We like to support sport in the town. We sponsored the annual Aquathon last year and the British Squash Open at Ilkley Tennis Club, we support the Ilkley Harriers awards presentations and we enter a competitive team at the Ilkley triathlon each year. “

Brit Tate, who joined the clinic as a sports therapist in 2013 and is a competitive cyclist, said: “It’s been amazing for cycling in the area with Ilkley town centre races and Otley races last week, and then the Tour at the weekend.”

Amos added: “On Saturday there was only a skeleton staff working!

“We treat a large number of cyclists who have neck and shoulder pain due to the position they ride on the bike, as well as knee pain and lower back problems. Unfortunately they also often tolerate it for too long hoping the injury will go away, so by the time they visit us it is often chronic, but our aim is to get them back on the road enjoying their sport as quickly as possible.”

Call 01943 817117.