A COUNCIL is pioneering a new pre-school cycling scheme to help youngsters on the road to safety.

Children as young as three will be involved in the initiative as Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council becomes the first in the country to launch the training.

Sure Start West Redcar has donated ten bicycles and helmets for the two-hour training course, which is being called First Pedal Forward.

The training is aimed at taking the youngsters from a debut cycle with stabilisers to becoming confident young cyclists.

The council's road safety manage,r Mike Hall, said: "The aim of the scheme is to learn through fun, build confidence and develop cycling skills safely. It is also an excellent way to develop a child's balance and co-ordination skills. And it's good for their health."

The training is the idea of road safety officer Tracee Hall-Young. In six parts, the course includes cycling in between straight lines, looking behind without falling over, weaving in and out of lines without falling or putting feet down and picking up a ball and placing it in a bucket while riding.

West Redcar Sure Start programme manager Vanessa Newlands said: "The interest we've had already has been terrific. It's an excellent idea, a fun way of ensuring the children get a real safety first start in life."