A TEENAGER from Tavistock has won a personalised bike from a charity designed to help African children get to school.

The first bike draw, organised by charity Jole Rider based in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, raised more than £1,000. The money will go to Jole Rider's Bikes4Africa programme and will be used to deliver bikes to Africa, enabling more than 100 children to get to school.

Tavistock College student Tom Gardner, 13, was at Womad Festival last July when his mum, Lucy, bought a bike draw ticket at Jole Rider's stand for the chance to win a customised bike, built by the charity to the winner's own specification.

Tom chose a white mountain bike with red wheels and red features. The bike was built from a combination of new and recycled bike parts at Jole Rider's base.

The now newly powder-coated giant aluminium frame was previously donated to Jole Rider and has been fitted with new parts and a badge with Tom's name.

Tom said: 'I can't believe we won and I got to choose my own bike, it's amazing and I picked my favourite colours. My bike will be unique and I can't wait to show everyone at my school, Tavistock College. It's good that we have also been able to help other children get to school by giving them bikes.'

Tom's mum Lucy added: 'Tom has been so excited about winning, but what is really important is that he has learned about children less fortunate than himself and also can appreciate how lucky he is. What's more he is going to donate his old bike which will go to a school in Africa.'