My Bike project gives away 250 free cycles thanks to the efforts of HMP Stocken, Rutland County Council and the Roger Begy Memorial Trust

Prisoners have restored 250 bikes as part of a scheme to reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill.

The My Bike project gives away the restored bikes free of charge to individuals and families in Rutland.

It is a joint initiative between HMP Stocken and Rutland County Council.

Prison instructor Neil Walsh said: “This is a really positive project with lots of benefits, not least for the people who receive bikes.

“We get around 20 to 30 bikes a month from the recycling centres, with more coming from Rutland Cycling who are supporting the project.

"Some bikes are in a really poor condition and need a lot of work while others might have just one or two parts missing."

Around 40 prisoners are involved in the restoration project which launched in June 2017. Many have received a City and Guild certificate in cycle maintenance.

Mr Walsh said: "They put a huge amount effort into each restoration and when you ask them how they feel, knowing one of their bikes is going to help someone, you can see what it means to them.”

Fifty-six bikes were given away at the latest handover event at Oakham fire station. Free helmets were donated by the Roger Begy Memorial Trust.

Charity chairman Nick Begy said: “We are privileged to support such a fantastic initiative. My Bike is an amazing scheme, helping prisoners and local people alike."

One of the aims is to help people access education and employment opportunities by providing a free mode of transport.

Council Leader Oliver Hemsley (Con) “It opens up a whole range of possibilities for the people."