YOUNG cyclists in Stockton were kitted out for safety this week, with a helping hand from an Olympic rider.

Medal-winning cyclist Mr Chris Newton was at Fairfield junior school on Tuesday as the council's road safety team handed out helmets and safety equipment to the youngsters. The equipment includes training tabards, road signs and yellow fluorescent jackets for voluntary instructors.

Road safety officer Mr Peter Fleming said the team had received a £4,000 grant from Teesside health action zone to support cycle training schemes. "This will allow us to leave enough equipment for children at ten schools," he said.

Fairfield juniors head teacher Mr Allen Shaw said: "We have been running cycling safety courses here for many years and they are always popular."

Another nine schools in the borough, chosen at random from those which offer cycle safety training courses, are also receiving the safety equipment.