ILLEGAL motorcyclists are to be given the chance to get on the right track thanks to financial backing from the Lottery.

The Safer Middlesbrough Partnership has secured £42,852 from the Big Lottery Fund to pay for a project to give young people better access to training and employment.

It will be spent over two years, and will pay for 20 five-week long motorcycle courses provided by Right Trax, of Stockton.

Rachel Beard, communities co-ordinator for the partnership, said: "This project will be an example of our innovative approach, combining confidence-building, education and training opportunities, with very clear messages that motorbike nuisance will be enforced effectively within Middlesbrough."

Young people who have received section 59 notices, for riding motorcycles unlawfully in Middlesbrough, will be referred to the scheme, as will young people who are believed to be at risk of using bikes illegally.

Riders living in hotspot areas, and any young person interested in learning more about motorcycles can join the scheme.

Each youngster who completes the course receives a National Open College Network One qualification. They will also get support and advice about education and job opportunities.

Inspector Charlie Bell, from Cleveland Police, said: "The illegal use of motorcycles is a problem in many neighbourhoods across Middlesbrough Police District.

"This initiative supports the principles of neighbourhood policing, by providing a multi-agency approach to reduce the problem and provide sustainable solutions."

The Safer Middlesbrough Partnership, Middlesbrough Council, Cleveland Police and Erimus Housing are working on the project.

Sergeant Glynn Bass, manager of the East Middlesbrough neighbourhood policing team, said: "We have listened to residents' concerns and taken on board what they want. This is local problems being dealt with at local levels.

"Residents can speed up the process by letting us know where illegal off-road bikes are being garaged, stored or used."

The first course begins on July 2 and 160 young people are expected to take part throughout the programme