A PIONEERING transport scheme which helps young people in rural areas get to work or training has received a boost.

The Wheels 2 Work initiative in North Yorkshire has added 22 mopeds to its fleet, bringing its full complement to 40 mopeds and 12 pushbikes.

Twelve of the mopeds, funded by Connexions, will be available to young people living in the Hambleton and Richmondshire areas.

The other ten are part of a pilot scheme in the Harrogate district funded by the Single Regeneration Budget and the borough council. Scheme co-ordinator Andrew Johnston said: "These new mopeds are just what we need to help even more people within Hambleton and Richmondshire.

"Demand for our mopeds has been high, that's why we have increased the fleet, and I expect the demand for these new mopeds to be just as high. If we can't lend them a moped then we may be able to help in some other way with their transport problems."

The Harrogate Wheels 2 Work scheme was launched in December. People living in the north-east of the Harrogate district who need transport to get them to work, training or further education can apply for one of the new machines by calling (01609) 761682.