EXTRA funding is to be ploughed into cycle training in South Craven and across North Yorkshire.

The county council’s business and environmental service executive has agreed to accept an offer of £45,000 from the Department for Transport.

The cash – from grant surplus – will support Bikeability training for school children, providing an extra 1,100 places.

North Yorkshire council will need to contribute up to £6,600.

Bikeability – which provides training to year-six pupils, teaching them practical skills and an understanding of how to cycle on roads – is now in its eighth year in the county.

The training, carried out over two days, is led by professional instructors.

The children are tested on the practical skills they have learned and on their knowledge of the Highway Code.

Since Bikeability began in North Yorkshire, around 30,000 youngsters have benefited.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for transport, said: “Cycling is becoming more and more popular in North Yorkshire and that is very good news.

“It is important that young cyclists are safe and feel safe on our roads.

“That is why we have agreed to accept the Government funding and pay the top-up costs.

“We want to ensure that Bikeability remains an important part of our road safety work.”