LITTLE Jessica Culley was devastated when she could not ride her bicycle Christmas present in 2013 because of a problem with her balance.

Last year she and her parents decided to give the two-wheeled present to an appeal for bicycles to help families get fit riding around Witton Park.

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Nine-year-old Jess was then promised cycling lesson by organisers The Young Weavers and this month turned up for her first session and to be presented with a brand new trike to get her free-wheeling like her friends.

The new community group was given 22 bikes to be used by children and their families in and around the borough.

They donated them to Witton Park’s Cycle Centre for families without cycles to use for free.

Jessica’s mum Christine and Tom from Ewood gave her bike to the appeal after St Luke’s and St Philip’s Primary School pupil struggled with balance problems that prevented her from learning to ride.

Staff at Witton Park returned the good deed by donating the specialist trike to help Jessica learn to ride.

Christine said: “Jessica had only used the bike she got last Christmas once and was really upset.

“When we heard about the appeal we were so pleased that it could be used for a good cause.

“Then they asked her to come for some lessons to help her cycle.

“When we got their they presented her with the trike and her face lit up.

“We cannot thank the Young Weavers and the staff at the cycle centre enough.

“This makes a real difference to Jessica’s development but most of all it has given her a real sense of independence.

“Being able to watch Jessica zooming around on a bike the way all children should is priceless.

“They hope once she is fully capable on the tricycle, they can help her learn to ride on two wheels as well.”

Jessica said: “I am so excited. I am delighted at being able to ride around like all my friends.”

The bike “re-cycle” campaign was set-up over Christmas in a bid to offer families a way of getting fit and enjoying family time for free.

Transport company Transdev manager Kevin Riddehough and his wife Vicky recently launched the Young Weavers group to make the most of bike rides with daughter Summer, eight, after struggling to find groups and clubs that encouraged family friendly opportunities in the area.

The group is being supported by the council’s Connect project.