Volunteers from Darlington’s cycling community gave up their time to help children as young as three on their way to stabiliser-free cycling.

Members of Carmel College Cycling Club and the indoor skate and BMX park 4Motion joined forces with Local Motion, Darlington’s sustainable transport team, to offer free coaching sessions to children wanting to improve their balance and confidence on two wheels.

The youngest coach was ten-years-old.

Alana Prior, 14, has been helping children learn to ride since Local Motion’s first event in September.

She said: “I do it because I enjoy it.

“I love watching them improve and I’m glad I can share something I like with the younger kids. It’s great knowing that I’m a part of them learning such a big thing.”

BMX cycling instructors Marie Brown and Chris Hinde from 4Motion also took part in the event.

Kevin Kilcullen, Local Motion’s cycling officer, said: “We’ve spent time mentoring these coaches so they can now help others to improve their skills. It’s only thanks to their dedication and generosity that these events are so successful.

“Being able to offer individual coaching means that children get the support they need at a pace that’s right for them. The children come to us with varying degrees of ability so it’s vital that we adapt our coaching to suit them. That just wouldn’t be possible without these extraordinary volunteers”.

To find out more about Local Motion’s events, visit dothelocalmotion.co.uk or find them on Facebook.