A cycle shop in Marlow is celebrating 25 years by giving back.

Saddle Safari, in Dean Street, is marking the milestone with a series of charitable events, starting by collecting used bikes at the weekend to send to Africa to be used by people who need transport and are unable to get around.

The bikes will be taken to Re-Cycle, a charity that sends them to poor people in Africa who spend hours each day walking to access healthcare, school and work.

They are repaired by trained mechanics in Africa before they are donated.

Owner Andrew Rackstraw said: “It’s a tremendous cause and we are aware there are many bikes in people sheds and garages that could be used by those in need.”

The community shop, which started life with just four bikes at the old abattoir, in Crown Lane, has risen through the ranks over the 25 years and now employs nine people.

As part of its celebrations, the shop will also host a pop-up cinema on March 8 with beer and ice cream, with all proceeds going to the charity SportsAble, which provides sporting facilities for disabled people, and a family fun day on March 17 with a range of activities.

Mr Rackstraw, who sadly became disabled five years ago very suddenly, said the shop had also expanded to sell recumbent trikes, which helped him to get around following his accident.

He said: “It is a good way to freedom. It has been a really interesting addition to the business because we have met some really interesting people.

 “We started off with just four bikes but it wasn’t enough to make a living from.

“People then started asking me if I could repair a puncture here and there and it just grew from there.

“It is a good trade to be in.”

The family fun day will also introduce cycling to people who have not tried it before, in a bid to get more people on a bike.

Mr Rackstraw added: “We are a community shop. We are part of a great community that has supported us over the past 25 years, so we wanted to do something to get everyone involved.

“We thought the events would be a nice way to do that.”

To donate a bike, visit Saddle Safari today (Saturday) and tomorrow. Bikes must have less than 25 per cent rust, a 20” or bigger wheel and be without a full suspension.