Darlington MP Alan Milburn got on his bike yesterday to help celebrate a school's new cycle park.

The Health Secretary was at Eastbourne Comprehensive School to open a bike shelter and safe cycling route which has been built to encourage more pupils to cycle to school.

Headteacher Karen Pemberton said only a few pupils cycled to the school because of the lack of secure parking facilities.

"Hopefully that will change now," she said.

"We really hope this encourages children who come to school by bus or car to consider cycling. It is better for the environment and better for them.

"The new facilities are absolutely brilliant. Children can chain their bikes up inside the park and they will get lockers inside for their equipment."

The cycle route will eventually form part of a network linking Stockton and Darlington.

The facilities have been paid for by sustainable transport charity Sustrans, via the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund, Darlington Borough Council and the school.