A SCHEME to help people living in remote areas find work is celebrating its third anniversary after proving to be a runaway success.

The Wheels 2 Work transport loan scheme was established in 2001 with funding from the Countryside Agency and at the time had only a dozen mopeds.

But it now operates across a large part of North Yorkshire with 40 mopeds, 12 bicycles and two electric bikes.

It has helped nearly 200 people overcome the lack of rural transport to find work or training opportunities.

They have used their borrowed machines to get to work and attend apprenticeships and further education, which would have been almost impossible without the scheme.

Most have then saved up enough to pay for their own transport while using the scheme and now have their own means of getting to and from work.

Co-ordinator Andrew Johnston said: "The scheme is proving to be very popular in the Hambleton, Richmondshire and Ripon rural hinterland.

"The fleet has allowed us to help people who do not have access to public transport or a private car to get out and about and access work or training. Our aim is to help as many people as possible with their transport needs."

The scheme is managed by the Northallerton and District Voluntary Service Association.

Those who use it have to complete a training course, protective clothing is supplied and users are asked to contribute £2.50 a week for tyre-wear, insurance and tax.

The length of the machine loan is usually six months, but the period is discretionary and can be changed.

As well as the Countryside Agency, a number of other agencies have contributed to the scheme, including the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, the district and county councils and the European Social Fund.

"Hopefully we can celebrate many birthdays to come," said Mr Johnston.