A CHARITY in Durham has become the first organisation the country to receive a delivery of a new range of specialised disability cycles from Germany.

Gateway Wheelers has received a £5,500 grant from the Lloyds TSB Foundation to enable it to buy two bikes. The funding will also pay for volunteer training to make sure that the cycles are used safely.

Gateway Wheelers provides the resources needed to enable people with disabilities to enjoy cycling.

Members of the club range from age eight upwards and come from Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Tees Valley and North Yorkshire.

The club, which has 67 members with disabilities and 37 volunteers, has a range of specialised cycles to meet the needs of people with varying degrees of disability. One of the tricycles bought with the funding is similar to a conventional tandem, but ensures greater stability and safety for its riders.

The other tandem has a wheelchair on the front, which enables people with severe disabilities to participate in sport.

David Patterson, club leader at Gateway Wheelers said: "This grant is a great boost for the club. The two new cycles are very exciting - they are bright, lively and enable riders to have more control. I am sure that they will be very popular.

"Part of the grant covers training, which will enable Gateway Wheelers to eventually develop into a club which is run by the members for the members."