TV motormouth Jeremy Clarkson has received an early, if unlikely, Christmas present - a bicycle from the Liberal Democrats.

The Top Gear presenter and newspaper columnist - who once told cyclists 'do not cruise through red lights because if I'm coming the other way, I will run you down, for fun' - was presented with the gift in a bid to change his attitudes towards those on two wheels.

Lib Dem transport spokesman Tom Brake MP hand delivered the bike, a Christmas card and the letter to the BBC's headquarters in an attempt to convert the car fanatic to green transport. The star was not available to collect his gift in person.

Later Mr Brake said:

"It is important that someone who is as prominent and influential as Jeremy Clarkson, should adopt greener modes of transport such as cycling."

"Mr Clarkson has derided cyclists and maybe the gift of a bike will make him change his mind. "We hope Jeremy will realise that cycling is a healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to driving. Cycling is a great way of shedding those unwanted extra festive pounds and keeping fit. If, of course, Jeremy doesn't want the bike we will ensure it is given to an appropriate charity."

Earlier this year road safety campaigners Transport 200 urged BBC bosses to axe Top Gear for "glamorising speed".