Bikes abandoned at station to be refurbished

Bicycles abandoned at a railway station in Hull have been given to a charity to be recycled and reused.

TransPennine Express says it has donated about 70 bikes that were left at Paragon Interchange over the past six months to the city's R-evolution charity.

Steve Gilder, from the train operator, said the scheme was a "win-win" for recycling and supporting people across the region.

The charity said the bikes would be revamped and either donated or resold at affordable prices.

TransPennine said the bikes were found in varying conditions around the station and the donation had saved 800kg of waste going into landfill.

"This is a win-win - we're improving our recycling efforts, keeping our station tidy and supporting people across the region with access to bikes to use them," Mr Gilder said.

R-evolution is a charity that run hubs at centres across Hull, East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire.

The charity trains and develops the skills of their volunteers in cycle mechanics and horticulture.

A spokesperson for R-evolution said donated bikes were used as practical training tools for their volunteers and trainees, who were working towards cycle mechanic qualifications.

"These opportunities support a wide range of outcomes - from improving employability and building confidence to boosting mental health and encouraging social connection."

Once refurbished, the charity said the bikes would be either sold at affordable prices to fund their outreach work, used at community events, or donated to help people attend interviews or get to work.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.