THE Wheels to Work network which helps young people in rural areas get to work is expanding across North Yorkshire.

Five more mopeds have been added to the fleet in the Ryedale area, where the scheme has been a resounding success.

So far the initiative, which began last year with 12 mopeds, has solved the transport problems of 28 people aged from 16 to 25.

Local co-ordinator Dave Young said: "It's marvellous when I know that the loan of a moped at just £3 a week has meant most of these young people have been able to secure their first full-time job or keep a place on a training course."

Under the scheme a moped can be hired for up to six months before being returned to the project for someone else to use.

Wheels to Work provides users with safety training and equipment and pays for the cost of the Compulsory Basic Training Certificate.

The latest mopeds were paid for by Single Regeneration Budget funds from regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.