A youngster is celebrating after receiving a free bike after being named as the most improved cyclist during a county-wide cycle training course.

Henry Thompson is the proud owner of the Trek Marlin mountain bike after taking part with 5,000 pupils in a Norfolk County Council cycle safety training course at primary and junior schools.

The winner was aged 11 and a pupil at Freethorpe Primary School, near Acle, when he took part in the programme.

He impressed the training team with his focus, determination and attitude to learning and was delighted with his prize.

'I learnt a lot about road safety on the cycling course and it boosted my confidence when riding on the roads. I really love my new bike.'

His mother Michelle Thompson said: 'We've encouraged all our children to make sure they are safe on the roads and the road safety scheme they've attended at school has really helped to give them the confidence and awareness they need.'

Iain Temperton, road safety officer for Norfolk County Council, said: 'The cycling training that we run at schools is a fantastic way to offer formal guidance on cycling technique, it not only helps children to ride a bike with good control but it also helps prepare children for cycling safely on the road and encourages them to use their bikes as a healthier alternative to travelling by car.'

The bike was donated by Pedal Revolution.

Neil Turner, from Pedal Revolution, said: 'We sponsor local club development, schools projects and run the region's largest not-for-profit cycling event, the Tour de Broads.

'We are always looking for ways to engage and inspire local people to get active, feel great and enjoy an active lifestyle whether they are riding to work, social riding with friends or competing at the highest level.

'We are delighted to support the work of the Norfolk Road Safety team and long may it continue.

For more information about the cycling training offered by the county council to schools visit www.norfolk.gov.uk and search for road safety for children.