POLICE in part of Kirklees will be relying on pedal power to get about quickly.

Five mountain bikes have been bought with sponsorship cash so that officers in the Birstall and Birkenshaw areas can patrol housing estates.

This means every officer in the area's Neighbourhood Policing Team will have a set of wheels to get around.

The bikes have been bought by the Birstall and Birkenshaw Area Committee with help from Ikea, the Gomersal Park Hotel and the Delicarte sandwich shop on Old Lane in Birkenshaw.

Sgt Lesley Mullen said: "Birkenshaw is some distance from Batley Police Station and we don't always have access to many vehicles.

"This way we will be able to avoid traffic and get about more quickly than on foot.

"We can also get into all the nooks and crannies where a car can't go.

"What better way is there of being accessible to local residents? People can stop and talk to us as we are riding around.

"The bikes are also a great way to break down barriers with youngsters in the community."