Bolton Council is looking for volunteers are needed for the rollout of The Wheels for All disability cycling scheme which launches week commencing Monday, March 10.

The scheme is part of a nationally recognised initiative to help disabled young people and adults experience the joys of cycling in a safe and supervised environment.

The volunteers, who dedicate 25 hours of their free time a year, directly motivate and help disabled users get the best out of their cycling sessions and are critical in making the programme such a success.

The activities use specially adapted bicycles and tricycles that are suitable for a wide range of abilities and individual needs.

The 'Wheels For All' sessions started five years ago on a small scale during schools holidays. Its success has led to increasing numbers attending each session.

As such the council has used £20,000 of short-breaks funding to buy additional bikes to cater for up to 35 people attending the sessions which will now be made available throughout the year.

Sport England is now supporting the scheme and has awarded it £9,645 to enable one hour weekly activities to take place.

Week commencing March 10, the sessions take place at Leverhulme Park every Wednesday 6pm to 7pm and Thursday 10am to 12noon and at USN Bolton arena on Thursday 10am to 11am and 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

Volunteers enjoy meeting new people and making a difference to people's lives. They also get training, funding towards sports qualifications and travel expenses are covered.

Councillor Anthony Connell, Bolton Council's Cabinet Member for Sport said: "The Wheels For All scheme has been a huge success and we are delighted to support the expansion of the programme which helps more disabled people experience the joys of cycling. Activities like these could not succeed without the kind support of volunteers and I urge anyone interested in becoming a volunteer to contact us for more information or come along to a session and see the great work that it is carried out and the positive effects it has on people's lives."

More information on volunteering is available from Jamie on 01204 336843 or at jamie.agar@bolton.gov.uk.