YOUNGSTERS are being encouraged to get on their bike over next month's half-term break.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is working with Cheshire Fire and Rescue to hold a series of workshops to help children improve their cycling skills from October 30 to November 3.

The courses, which will be held at Northwich fire station, in Braddon Close, will give children aged three to 11 the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike and improve their basic skills.

Cllr Karen Shore, CWAC cabinet member for environment, said: "The cycling courses we held during the school summer holidays proved very popular.

"I hope parents and carers will be able to use this ideal opportunity to help their children improve their cycling skills.

"This series of workshops will help three to 11-year-olds increase their cycling confidence by learning to ride safely."

Provided by trainers Cycle Experience, the ‘Learn to Ride’ course offers either one or two hours of riding in a traffic-free environment for beginners, and then a Level One workshop helps with balance and control.

The workshop also aims to improve skills including getting on and off the bike, starting, stopping, pedalling, riding in a straight line, looking behind and signalling without wobbling.

Children must have a road-worthy bike and a helmet to enrol on a course, and must be dressed according to the weather with suitable shoes and appropriate clothing.

Booking costs £5 and can be completed online by visiting cycleexperience.com and registering as a member, before selecting your preferred course.