CHILDREN from north Durham have been learning safe cycling skills.

Pupils from Catchgate Primary School have been taking the National Cycling Proficiency Course.

Police community support officer (PCSO) Malcolm Barnes is leading the course on behalf of Durham County Council.

Year five pupils have been learning about hand signals, traffic light sequences and how to overtake parked cars.

PCSO Barnes said: "It shows them what they should and should not be doing when they are out on the road.

"We do it in the school playground, and mark it out like a road with chalk.

"They have responded well to it, and you can see them taking in what is being said and thinking more about what they are doing on their bikes."

The children took a theory test based on the cycling section of the Highway Code yesterday and will take the practical test today.

Those who pass will be presented with a badge and a certificate and be able to ride to school in the future.

The idea is to help children stay fit and reduce parking problems caused by parents bringing their youngsters to school by car.