HALFORD stores in Blackburn, Burnley and Chorley have teamed up with a charity to send unwanted second hand bikes to Africa, where the need for affordable transport is great.

For six days, from today to Tuesday July 16, Britain’s biggest bike retailer is inviting customers to bring cycles currently lying abandoned in garages and garden sheds to any of its branches.

Those donating bikes will receive a 10 per cent discount on a brand new model as well as seeing their old two wheeler go to a good cause.

Halfords is launching the scheme in partnership with charity Re-Cycle and hopes to collect 6,000 bikes.

Commenting on the event, CEO Matt Davies said: “This is a great opportunity for customers to get rid of those bikes which are not being used and give to a great cause and get money off a brand new bike at the same time if they want to.”

Merlin Matthews, the founder of Re-Cycle, said: “We are really excited about the partnership with Halfords. It will provide long term opportunities to raise awareness of the great ways people here can very easily assist those in need in Africa.”

Re-Cycle has already sent over 45,000 bikes as well as parts and tools to 16 different countries in Africa where bikes can be expensive and difficult to find.