Youngsters encouraged to get on their bikes

A group of schoolchildren were wheely delighted to find a brand new facility helping them stay healthy at school this morning (Thursday).

The children from Malorees Junior School in Christchurch Avenue, Brondesbury, were presented with a brand new bicycle storage shed courtesy of sustainable transport charity Sustrans.

Around 20 bikes can now be stored in the facility, paid for by Transport for London on behalf of the ‘Bike it’ scheme which is organised by the charity.

The scheme, designed to encourage the importance of cycling is funded jointly by Brent Council and NHS Brent.

Ruth Chiat, who represents the scheme in Brent hailed the morning as a big success.

She said: “It was a really great event and great to see all the children getting excited about bikes.”

After the unveiling the children were offered free inspections to check they had healthy bikes and bike lights were also given out after a prize draw.

Ms Chiat continued: “It’s really important to bring exercise into the lives of children and to show them that cycling is not only easy but also great fun.”

There are now plans to unveil similar facilities at other schools in the borough including Wembley Primary School and Kilburn Park School Foundation.