PUPILS at a Darlington school swapped their exercise books for toolboxes when they brushed up on bike maintenance.

A Save My Bike Day event was held at Heathfield Primary School as part of a national scheme run by sustainable transport charity Sustrans.

It was aimed at teaching children how to look after their bikes, so they are in good condition for the ride to school.

Gary Evans, owner of the Bikesport shop in Darlington, demonstrated basic maintenance.

He also checked pupils' bikes and dealt with small problems, such as low tyre pressure, as well as showing pupils how to do it.

Mr Evans said: "It's important that children are safe when they ride and they must make sure their bikes are in good condition before they take to the roads. Often, it is something very minor that consigns a bike to the back of the shed."