ONE man who found that every cloud has a silver lining was Evesham motorcycle dealer Mike Taylor of Northwick Road.

He stocks electric bicycles and last week he saw a "sharp increase" in demand. "I sold three last week," said Mr Taylor. "Before that though I suppose I was selling a couple a month on average."

The bikes, which cost between £500 and £700, can do 20 miles on just 2p worth of electricity, reaching 15mph.

"It made people more aware of what happens when there is no fuel," said Mr Taylor who is hoping the bikes will now really catch on.