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

The Save My Bike Day event at Heathfield Primary School was part of a national initiative 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, gave the children a demonstration of basic maintenance.

He also checked pupils' bikes and dealt with small problems, such as low tyre pressure, as well as showing youngsters 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."