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Re-cycling could take on a whole new meaning this Christmas thanks to a 'wheelie' worthwhile initiative by Â鶹ÊÓƵ.

The council has donated 45 children's bikes to Shields-based organisation, Sports Recycler.

The balance bikes are being reconditioned before being offered for sale at a discounted price.

The bikes are used in the borough's primary schools to train children in cycling skills and safety.

Cllr Ernest Gibson, Lead Member with responsibility for climate change, said: "These bikes have been used in our schools for around five years now, and we have replaced them with newer models.

"However, the old ones are in perfectly good working order, so it made sense to donate them and allow the community to have use of them, particularly in the run-up to Christmas and when there is a nationwide shortage of bikes because of supply chain issues.

"This initiative promotes both active travel and recycling. Having set ourselves ambitious climate change targets, sustainability must be at the forefront of everything we do."

The Council set a three-year target to cut carbon emissions by 4,285 tonnes by March 2023 and is already two thirds of the way to achieving that figure.

Trish Armitage, general manager at Sports Recycler, which is run by volunteers and depends on donations said: "We are very grateful to Â鶹ÊÓƵ for donating a brilliant stock of children's balance bikes.

"These bikes, suitable for younger children, will enable a small child to gain confidence, reducing the need for stabilisers before graduating to a pedal bike. 

"At this time of year with bikes in high demand and short supply, and money in even shorter supply, these little bikes will make an excellent Christmas gift and make a lot of little children happy."

The new bikes were purchased following a successful bid to the government's Capability Fund.

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