YOUNG bikers who were given a ticking off by police for riding machines off-road have been put back on the straight and narrow - and have certificates to prove it.

Police in Consett presented "graduation" certificates to five teenagers from north Durham who completed a ten-week course teaching them aspects of owning and maintaining a motorcycle and how to ride it safely.

PC Jonathan Hamill, for several months a member of the police team set up to combat off-road bikers in Consett and surrounding areas, is delighted with the results.

The officers use Yamaha 250cc machines to cover the mainly rural areas of Derwentside.

Over the year they have issued a string of warning notices to those riding bikes illegally, advising them if they re-offend they could lose their machines.

However, so far this year they have only had to use the relevant legislation once to carry out a seizure order.

In the course of their work they promised several teenagers that if a suitable motorcycle-related course became available they would give them a chance to join it.

And PC Hamill kept his word when he became involved in an initiative run by a local charity, the Ace Community Project.

The course gives young people an opportunity to learn about safer riding and various legal requirements involved for motorcycle-owners.

It is rounded off with intensive preparation and assessment for those old enough - 16 years and over - to aim for a compulsory basic training qualification (CBT).

The five successful graduates were Adam Cox, 16, Anna Hopps, 14, both from Consett; Kristi Taylor, 16, from Lanchester; and Hamsterley Colliery pair Phillip Shield and Lewis Brown, both 14.

They were presented with certificates to mark their success at Ace Motorcycles Club, in Finchale Road, Framwellgate Moor. Adam, the only member of the group old enough to take and pass his CBT, is also receiving a certificate marking his qualification.

PC Hamill said: "We do receive regular complaints about youths on motorcycles and the off-road unit has been very active in addressing those concerns.

"But many of the young people we spoke to were just keen bikers, genuinely interested in any courses which may be on offer.

"When the ACE project got in touch and asked for a police input I thought it was an ideal opportunity for those who had been the keenest to pursue their hobby.

"The five who have completed the course have shown dedication, commitment and great enthusiasm. I am really pleased for them and hope they will be the first of many."

The County Durham Foundation presented £7,000 to the Ace project.