YOUNGSTERS at a Clitheroe school are appealing for donations of old bikes and parts as they gear up to launch a new social enterprise.

Pupils at Ribblesdale High School are calling on residents to donate their unused bicycles so they can be fixed to provide less fortunate people in Africa with a means of transport.

The project run by Year 9 pupils will start in September and will see the 14-year-olds dismantle the bikes, service the reusable components before then reassembling them into rideable and fully serviced bike.

One of the aims of the scheme will be to furnish the youngsters with some basic bike maintenance skills.The school is aiming for the completed bikes to be shipped to Africa.

Headteacher Stephen Cox said: “We are really excited about this project as it will develop so many important skills and attributes in our pupils, from developing empathy and links to people in very different circumstance, to the basic skills of bike maintenance.

“The impact of a bike to a rural family in a poorer area of the world cannot be under estimated, “They really do offer a route out of poverty.

“For pupils at Ribblesdale to rebuild a bike, which will directly benefit another family elsewhere in the world, will really personalise the task they are undertaking, linking their actions to positive outcomes for others.”

The only stipulation for the bike collection is that that they must have some serviceable components and be either an adult road or mountain bike.

To donate to the bicycle initiative you can contact the school via the address e-mail recyclebikes@ribblesdale.org.

Our you can call 01200 422563.