Darlington MP Alan Milburn got on his bike last Friday to help to celebrate Eastbourne Comprehensive's school's new cycle park.

The Health Secretary opened a bike shelter and safe cycling route, built to encourage pupils to pedal to school.

Headteacher Karen Pemberton said a tiny number of pupils cycled to the school because of the lack of secure parking facilities.

"Hopefully that will change now," she said. "We really hope this encourages children who come to school by bus or car to consider cycling. It's better for the environment and better for them.

"The new facilities are absolutely brilliant. Children can chain their bikes up inside the park and they'll get lockers inside."

The cycle route will eventually form part of a network linking Stockton to Darlington. The new facilities were paid for by sustainable transport charity Sustrans, via the Lottery's New Opportunities Fund, the borough council and the school.