BOBBIES on the beat in Sunderland are saddling up in a bid to meet more residents.

Northumbria police officers are using mountain bikes to patrol the streets in the north of the city to get to know the community.

The City North Community Police Team has taken delivery of six mountain bikes and waterproof equipment.

The force won funding for the cycles and two liveried Ford Focus cars through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

Sergeant Kevin Horsley, who heads the eight-strong team, said: "We believe a combination of liveried police vehicles and mountain bikes provides officers with the best methods of policing this area.

"The cycles provide a highly visible police presence on our estates and gives officers the opportunity to frequently stop and talk to residents.

"We believe their presence is reassuring to the public. However, there are occasions when officers need to get to an incident quickly and that is when we need to use the cars."

The team is based at Radlett Road and covers an area from Townend Farm to the Metro line in Newcastle Road, including Southwick, the Colliery Ward, Castledown and Townend Farm.

Sgt Horsley said: "The officers are keen to tackle the crime issues that concern residents, in particular house burglary and youth crime."