A NEIGHBOURHOOD policing team has a new, two-wheeled asset to use in the fight against crime.

The Saracen Venturer bike was donated by local bike shop Gills - Leeming Bar, for the use by officers in the Bedale area.

PC Julian Sutcliffe said: "On behalf of Bedale Neighbourhood Policing Team, we would like to thank Gills - Leeming Bar and Saracen for their kind donation.

"The bike will allow us to extend our patrol area whilst still remaining highly visible and accessible to the public."

He added: "This form of patrol is what the community of Bedale have been asking for.

"With it, we aim to help to reduce crime and the fear of crime in our local area."