YOUNGSTERS in Thornton Lodge are to get the chance to “get on their bikes”.

Police have donated discarded bikes to the Thornton Lodge Action Group, and local youngsters are being taught the skills to repair them and get them back in use.

Action group officials hope the cycles will be available soon to local youngsters to join a cycling club they plan to run to keep the young people active and healthy.

The youngsters will be attending cycle maintenance courses which will then allow them to service the cycles in the future and also gain new skills and qualifications.

Insp Phil Ounsley said: “This is a great example of the community working together for the benefit of all. Unclaimed bicycles from police stores were given to the Youth Justice Centre and young offenders under expert supervision were tasked with repairing and servicing these bikes.

“The bikes were then donated to a local charity working towards keeping kids off the streets whilst offering healthy lifestyle activities.’’