Recycled bicycles donated to children by offenders

The new owners of the bicycles back row, from left to right: Irfan Qaiser, Aaron Whitehead, Cree Hulme, Aissata Ndiome and Taylor Biggins with the bicycle repairers, front left, Toby Werhun, volunteer working with the youth offending team and Kamen Strand

Several young offenders from Rochdale have brought smiles to the faces of children and young people from Freehold, by giving them bicycles they have repaired and restored.

In a busy workshop in the heart of Rochdale, a group from Rochdale Borough Council’s youth offending team (YOT) have been busy fixing punctures, broken chains and touching up paintwork to restore two-wheelers to their former glories.

The bikes have been donated by members of the public and now they’ve been made roadworthy, five of the recycled bicycles have been given to Freehold youngsters, in conjunction with national bike week (20-26 June).

Gayle Bradbury deputy youth offending team manager at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This is a great project for the young people to be involved with. It’s been really good to see them all working together, giving something back to the community whilst learning new skills

“Thanks to all the residents who’ve donated the bikes so far and thanks to our volunteer, Toby Werhun, who has been leading this project and helping the young people bring the bikes back to life. We’re always looking for old, unwanted bikes that the youngsters can get to work on repairing and then give to children who don’t have, or can’t afford a bike.”

Around 17 children and young people were selected by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing and the local community group to receive the sparkly new bikes, following their good behaviour and respect to the community.

As well as giving away the bikes, several planters were donated by the youth offending team who had made and filled them with a variety of growing vegetables for harvesting by residents on the estate.

Councillor Donna Martin, cabinet member for children, schools and families at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It’s good to see the work of young offenders benefitting the community in this way. Keep up the good work!”