CYCLE training is being offered to children in Tavistock during the school Summer holidays.

Bikeability is cycle proficiency for the 21st Century and Devon County Council is funding the scheme in the county. More than 15,000 youngsters in Devon have so far received the training which can help them gain the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today's roads.

The course is divided into different levels; Level One for children aged from six and over to help them develop their basic bicycle handling skills with exercises and fun games in a traffic free environment, Level Two for children aged nine and over to develop cycling skills in a traffic free environment before progressing on quiet local roads with real traffic conditions, and Level Three, which is advanced cycling for children for children aged 11 and over who have already completed Level 2.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: 'Bikeability provides local schoolchildren with essential cycling skills and road safety awareness, so it's reassuring for parents to know their children are getting the best training possible.

'The aim is for the youngsters to acquire the confidence and know-how to eventually make short cycling journeys on the road, such as cycling to school. As cycling is such a great activity for all the family, hopefully what the children will learn through Bikeability can also encourage their families to cycle more often too.'

For more information on dates, times and locations, or to book a course, go to http://www.cycledevon.info/">www.cycledevon.info/