VOLUNTEERS have worked to renovate donated bikes to help a social enterprise.

The Darlington Cares initiative, a partnership of some of the town’s employers, took part in a bike amnesty last week, donating old or unwanted bikes to Bike Stop.

Bike Stop is run by First Stop Darlington, which works with homeless people, and takes in old or unwanted bicycles, whatever their condition, and works to restore them for sale in the Bike Shop, based in Skinnergate.

Profits from Bike Stop are used to fund the work of First Stop in supporting the vulnerable homeless and those at risk of homelessness in the town.

Two teams of volunteers from Cummins Engines, a member of Darlington Cares, worked on bikes collected from the amnesty, including stripping, cleaning and repairing the bikes for resale, alongside Bike Stop’s resident mechanic, Duncan Buckingham.

Tracy Freeman, chief executive of First Stop Darlington, who created Bike Stop, said: ‘It is fantastic to see local businesses getting involved and supporting Bike Stop.

“The fact the members of Darlington Cares are willing to let their employees volunteer and share their skills and expertise is brilliant for the local community and charities like ourselves.”

Businesses interested in joining Darlington Cares or any charity or community groups who would like to discuss the possibility of a project should contact Katie Blundell on 01642 738970, email: k.blundell@tees.ac.uk or visit darlingtoncares.co.uk