CHILDREN are getting on their bikes for some summer holiday fun thanks to their local police.

The Durham force has donated seven bicycles to a community action team, Positive Futures, a problem-solving group backed by the city council, the fire service and other agencies.

Positive Futures is running several activities in the Durham area during the holidays.

The bicycles, recovered by police and stored in their lost and found department, will all be available for use by the group from the end of this week for the rest of the summer.

Several are already being used by youngsters attending summer activity sessions at Meadowfield District Sports Centre, near Durham.

Kay Smith, of Positive Futures, said: "During one of our meetings, it was brought up that we were looking at expanding the bike scheme we had for youngsters in the area.

"I was advised to write to the police and within a few days I received confirmation that Inspector Dick Dodds had donated the bikes."

The group is conducting a Fun 4 Free programme, part of which involves bike rides around the Deerness Valley, near Durham.

After the summer holiday, the team will use the bikes while delivering its regular sessions to young people.