YOUNGSTERS at a Dorchester school have been helped to get on their bikes with new, cycle storage facilities.

The bike shelters were unveiled at St Osmunds School in the hope they will encourage more students and staff to cycle to school as part of a project by charity Sustrans.

Sustrans is working with schools, students and parents to persuade them to choose two wheels for the school run.

The project is funded by Dorset County Council, which provided the £55,000 funding for the shelters.

Sustrans is also providing bike pump facilities at the school to further help those who want to cycle.

Jonathan Dixon from Sustrans, said: “Walking and cycling to work or school is a great way for people to get the exercise they need everyday to keep healthy, and research shows it helps people to work more effectively whether they are working or studying.

“Sustrans, the county council and schools are working together to encourage students and staff to cycle to school more often.

“These new cycle shelters mean that everyone has somewhere secure to leave their bikes.”

St Osmunds headteacher Jim Williams welcomed the new facilities.

He said: “Our ultimate aim is to have more children and staff cycling or scooting to school.

“The shelters keep the bikes safe and dry encouraging others to try travelling this way.”

Matthew Piles, the county council’s head of economy, added: “By providing the infrastructure the county council is helping local residents find alternative, healthy transport alternatives that will help reduce congestion on the school run.”