YOUNGSTERS across the town will receive extra cycle training after the council secured more than £400,000 grant funding from the Department for Transport.

The money will be used to support children, aged between five and 14, in Warrington's schools as part of the Bikeability programme.

The initiative is centred around giving kids the platform to gain practical skills and an understanding of 'how to cycle' on today's roads, while giving them the necessary skills and confidence.

There are three Bikeability levels – each designed to improve cycling skills.

Levels one, two and three take trainees from the basics of balance and control, all the way to planning and making an independent journey on busier roads.

Level two has been offered to all 10-year-olds since 2007 but the new grant allows younger children to learn the basics – and those moving on to secondary school the chance to gain independence by cycling to school and college.

It also allows for the training of parents and group rides to give families the 'confidence and inspiration' to cycle more, both for leisure and to get to and from school.

Cllr Hans Mundry, executive board member for highways, transportation and public realm, said: "We hope the whole package of Bikeability sessions and family rides will give children and their parents the confidence and inspiration to cycle more, helping them to stay fit and healthy while at the same time reducing the school run congestion."

After a competitive tender process, Bike Right, which is based in Manchester, has been reappointed as the council's delivery partner for three years.

Managing director Liz Clarke said: "We've enjoyed great success in the area over the years and will build on this during the term of this new contract."