YOUNGSTERS have successfully developing their cycling skills with an initiative designed to help students boost their self-esteem.

A partnership between Richmond School and Sixth Form College, Hawes-based Stage 1 Cycles and North Yorkshire Sport, the project was funded through Sportivate, a £56m Lottery 2012 legacy programme.

Schoolchildren Madeline Smith, 11, Ieaun Leyman,13, and Lucas Smith,10, were among a group of six students to take the course, which comprised a week’s intensive training followed by five hour-long weekly sessions.

Teacher Kath Lawson said: “Our aim is to provide opportunities for students to develop daily life skills which can be affected by co-ordination difficulties. Cycling is one area which can be affected, as are swimming and handwriting.

“It was incredible to see the students all achieve so much so quickly and the resultant increases in self-confidence and self-esteem.”