THE government has handed £160,000 to the county's transport bosses to help train schoolchildren how to cycle safely.

The grant from The Department for Transport will be used by Transport for Buckinghamshire to teach children how to use their bikes on the roads.

The money was awarded towards the council's Bikeability Level two Cycle Training programme and is the tenth largest of the 105 grants awarded to schemes across the country.

Cllr Valerie Letheren, cabinet member for Transport, said: “To receive such a large amount of funding is a reflection of the successful model of delivery Transport for Buckinghamshire has developed.

“Our track record of getting more than 2,000 children trained each year has demonstrated that we are able to deliver.

“This award will allow us to continue working closely with the 20 local cycle training businesses who provide this training to the school children of Buckinghamshire”.

The cycling course is open to schoolchildren in year five and above to be trained up to level two.

Parents and schools interested in the scheme should contact TfB's Cycling and Walking Team. Information is available from www.buckscc.gov.uk/cycletraining