A FARNHAM cycle centre has donated its bikes to an Aldershot charity which transforms the lives of young people.

A chance conversation between staff at the Alice Holt Cycle Centre and Rushmoor Borough Council leader, David Clifford, led to 33 mountain bikes being given to BikeStart, a social bike project for North East Hampshire and surrounding areas.

BikeStart is part of The Source Young People’s Charity and the expectation is that at least £1,000 will be raised from the bikes.

The team of volunteers refurbish and sell donated bikes, provide bike services and safety checks, offer team building days, promote cycling, train individuals, companies and groups in bike maintenance skills, provide work readiness mentoring programmes to young people and raise much-needed funds for the charity.

The cycle centre operates out of the Forestry Commission site south of Farnham, where it has been based since 2014.

It offers bicycle rental, servicing, birthday parties and cycling sessions for schools and community groups.

Mr Clifford had been visiting the centre to discuss ideas for promoting cycling in Rushmoor.

He said: “The centre staff mentioned they were replacing their bikes and I asked what they were doing with the old ones, as I knew BikeStart would be interested.

“It was a case of being in the right place at the right time!

“I know people who run the charity are so grateful for this donation.”

Company director from parent company Parkwood Outdoors, Chris True, said: “We were replacing our entire fleet in time for the opening of our new centre this summer. 

“We chose to donate our bikes to BikeStart because they train young people in our community in bike mechanics and promote the fun of cycling for everyone.”

Bob Mercer, BikeStart’s lead mechanic, said: “Receiving so many high quality bikes is amazing.

“We are immensely grateful for this generous donation which will help us raise more funds for The Source’s work transforming lives.”

Anyone who would like to donate an old bike or buy a refurbished bike can visit www.bikestart.co.uk.