MORE than 40 people in West Somerset will be on their bikes, thanks to donations of secondhand machines to help those without transport get moving again.

Since an appeal by the charity the Community Council for Somerset (CCS), and funded by the West Somerset Opportunity Area and Somerset County Council, appeared in the Free Press, the organisers said they had been “overwhelmed” by the response.

The bikes are being refurbished by local expert mechanic Mark Gibbs, from Exmoor Bike Repair, and will help people get back to work or education, save money and help the environment.

One person to benefit from the scheme said: “Thanks to the person who donated my bike and everyone who was involved, I not only can get to work but have a very decent bike to ride. A massive thank you to everyone who made this possible for me!”

Raj Singh, CCS deputy chief executive, said: “The bikes will make a huge difference to people in West Somerset who are in urgent need of transport, but for whom buying a new bike is not an option financially. The message is, please keep the bikes coming!”

CCS is seeking donations of adult-size bikes that are in good condition and anyone who has an unwanted bike should get in touch with CCS Village Agent Izzy Sylvester via email [email protected] with a name and phone number and a brief description of the bike, or call 07931 018 045 to arrange for a free collection.