BEAT bobbies have returned to traditional ways of patrolling on Teesside's largest housing estate.

Two top-of-the-range mountain bikes have been given to Ingleby Barwick beat officers PCs Kevin Stockley and Dave Sanders by the local Safeway store.

Ingleby Barwick Parish Council has also donated £200 to the two officers to pay for safety equipment, lights, helmets and carriers.

Before getting the bicycles the two officers patrolled the private estate - the largest in Europe - on foot, but they are now hoping to extend their coverage of the estate by cycle paths.

Inspector Colin White, of Cleveland Police, said: "There are more than 5,000 homes on the estate.

"The bikes will give my officers an opportunity to cover a large area and provide an improved service to residents and businesses in Ingleby Barwick."