A PIONEERING bike library scheme with a branch in Keighley is expanding.

Eight new sites are being launched across the region, taking the total to 31.

The Yorkshire Bank-supported initiative, set-up in the wake of the hugely successful Tour de France Grand Depart in 2014 and the Tour de Yorkshire, aims to give every child in the county access to a bike.

As part of the project, unwanted cycles handed in at one of 42 donation stations are refurbished and made available to hire for free.

Since the venture began – in conjunction with Cycle Yorkshire – last year, about 3,500 bikes have been donated.

The Keighley outlet is run at University Academy Keighley and Keighley CyKle.

Helen Page, for the Yorkshire Bank, said: "We are delighted to support the launch of additional bike libraries.

"Giving more children an opportunity to have access to a bike is something we feel passionately about."

Visit bikelibraries.yorkshire.com for more details.

Anyone wishing to borrow a bike at the Keighley library is advised to call 01535 210333 in advance to guarantee availability.