BURNLEY MP Peter Pike is backing a Bill to make wearing cycle helmets compulsory following the tragic death of James Hadfield in a cycling accident.

Mr Pike attended the launch of the Protective Headgear for Young Cyclists Bill - a Private Member's Bill being put before the House of Commons by Carlisle MP Eric Martlew.

If the Bill makes it into law it would be compulsory for all under 16 year olds to wear a cycle helmet while on public highways, paths or pavements.

Mr Pike had spoken to James' dad, James and step-mum, Melanie, before attending this week's launch event and passed on a message of support for the bill from them.

James, of Carlton Road, who died earlier this month after an accident in Piccadilly Park, in Burnley, had refused to wear a safety helmet because it was not fashionable.

Speaking after the launch, which was also attended by Formula One racing driver David Coulthard, who is patron of the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust, Mr Pike said: "James' parents are still very numb and still very shocked - they will be grieving for some time.

"They know they can't bring their son back, but they would support any legislation that makes it necessary for those under 16 to wear helmets to save another child from being injured or killed."

The Burnley MP said he understood what the family was going through because he lost his brother in a motorcycling accident in the 1950s, before motorcycle crash helmets became compulsory.

He said: "I understand how James' family are feeling and I too support this bill wholeheartedly.

"Many teenagers, like James, feel the pressure from their peers and think they look soft wearing a helmet - that is the tragedy."

The bill will go before the House of Commons on Friday, April 23.