A SCHEME to give Nelson youngsters a taste for all-terrain cycling has had a successful launch in Barley.

Bike Alert can take between 10 and 15 youngsters at a time to the Boothman Park course in the village.

Supported by Nelson Town Council, those taking part learn all about bike maintenance before being let loose on the challenging course.

Young people from Clover Hill, Walverden and Bradley were involved in the debut outing and enjoyed themselves immensely.

Coun Eileen Ansar, who represents Clover Hill and Walverden and is also town council chairman, said: “We will now be looking for funding to keep it going.

“The young people who took part really enjoyed themselves and it was a great opportunity for them to see the countryside on their own doorstep.”