A DARLINGTON-based cycling enthusiast has been awarded for his work in encouraging others to get on their bikes.

Kevin Kilcullen, Team Local Motion’s cycling officer, scooped the prestigious title of Go Ride North East Cycling Coach of the Year in recognition of his voluntary work with the Stockton Wheelers youth team.

He was selected winner out of 17 North-East British Cycling Go Ride Clubs.

Mr Kilcullen’s full-time job is cycling officer for Local Motion, working in schools across Darlington to deliver cycling skills sessions, bike maintenance workshops and training classes.

His recent work entering schools into the ‘Big Pedal’ inter-schools cycling event managed to get almost 4,000 journeys to school by bike throughout the three week event.

He has also helped the Stockton Wheelers to build up one of the largest youth sections in the North-East.

Mr Kilcullen said: “I am very proud of the work I have done with the Stockton Wheelers and this award is recognition for me and more importantly the whole club.

“This year is an exciting year for both for Stockton Wheelers and also for Team Local Motion.

“I’ll be coaching the Wheelers youth team as they strive to gain success in National events and I’m working with Carmel College in Darlington on the Coast to Coast.”

David Lyonette, Darlington Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “I am delighted that all Kevin’s hard work has been recognised with this award and that so many young people in Darlington are now regularly cycling to school.”