ASPIRING cycle instructors will soon be able to receive their training in Darlington.

The borough council's road safety team has been working towards national accreditation as a cycle instructor training centre for the past year.

It is now the only authority in the region that will be able to train adults for an accredited qualification, enabling them to be placed on the national register.

Once a significant number of instructors have been trained by the council, it is hoped that a regional training centre will be set up using the best instructors who, in turn, could then provide training for future instructors.

Nick Wallis, the council's cabinet member for transport, said: "The fact that Darlington will be at the centre of cycle training instruction is great news for the town.

"The council is working to encourage more people to think about different forms of transport, such as cycling, and it is important that those who need instruction are taught by someone qualified to the highest standards."