Young offenders build new lives

Former young offenders are being taught useful work and life skills repairing and rebuilding second-hand bicycles.

The weekly workshops in Bridgwater are run as part of the county council's Youth Offending Team Geared Up project.

"It is great to see former young offenders putting their troubled pasts behind them and helping others to do the same," said Emer McNicholl of YOT.

The project has received £7,500 from the Youth Opportunities Fund to buy equipment, tools and bike components.

It is open to those who have been through the Young Offenders programme, and are not in education, training or employment.

Somerset County Council distributes completed bicycles to disadvantaged young people and victims of crime once they have been tested for road safety.