Free workshops have been encouraging more people to get on their bikes in Great Yarmouth.

The GY Bike Project, a free Great Yarmouth Borough Council initiative, will teach residents learn how to repair and maintain bicycles at weekly workshops over the next four weeks.

Funded by the Community Budget programme, developed by Comeunity and council staff, and delivered by Activating CIC, one of the main aims is to improve employment opportunities for Yarmouth people out of work.

This week, the project was recruiting participants with stands at the Market Place, the Sealife Centre, and the Asda supermarket car park.

At each location, organisers looked to recruit 12 people for the two-hour workshops. Those without bikes will receive a donated bike to do-up and keep.

'The key aim is to ensure that people ride away at the end of the workshops with a decent bicycle and, importantly, the core skills to maintain it in the future,' said Luke Rumbelow, of Activating CIC.

Councillor Val Pettit, cabinet member for environment, said the project would also gives residents the means and encouragement to get around more by bicycle - 'a cheap and environmentally-friendly form of transport which they can use for work and pleasure'.

To support the scheme, residents can donate old bicycles at Pedal Revolution bike shop in Gorleston.