KEEN young bikers from a Blackburn estate are using their ingenuity to help themselves and other people take to the roads.

And the Saturday Morning Bike Club based at Roman Road has just got a helping hand itself in the form of £600 from the Prince's Trust.

With guidance from Youth Works, youngsters aged between 14 and 25 regenerate, renovate and rebuild old and unroadworthy bikes which have been donated by people with no further use for them.

The initiative is proving so successful it has prompted the Prince's Trust to provide cash to buy cycling helmets, security locks and other cycling items.

Richard Marsh of the Prince's Trust in Lancashire said: "We liked the project in that it directly involves young people.

"It enables them to gain skills which contribute to both their own development and that of the community.

"The project is an innovative one, working with young people in their own surroundings. "The Prince's Trust is pleased to be a partner in this project. A modest investment of £600 could possibly uncover potential which may change people's lives."

Youth Works environmental development officer Adrian Leather said: "Local police have offered to supply the group with bikes in their possession which have not been claimed. These will be returned to their former glory and given back to members of the community."

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