Primary school children in Dromore have been equipped with practical bicycle maintenance skills and vital road safety knowledge ahead of the summer months, thanks to an initiative led by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Pupils in P6 and P7 from St Colman's Primary School and Dromore Central Primary School participated in the project, learning essential skills such as fixing punctures, checking brakes, and adjusting gears. They then put their new abilities to practical use by helping to refurbish donated bicycles, which will now be distributed to local charities.

Chief Inspector Adam Corner explained the project's success: "This has been a great learning experience for these children who worked really well together and should be very proud of what they've done."

He added: "The bikes were donated by the community and local businesses through the project partners, Dromore Chamber of Commerce. The children then set to work to restore them to their former glory. These good-as-new bikes have now been given over to International Meeting Point Belfast to donate to people in need of this transport."

In addition to the mechanical skills, the children also received road safety advice from police officers and Gwen Bartley from the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP). "This has been a positive example of us engaging well within our neighbourhoods and our thanks to the children who have impressed us all with their enthusiasm, ability and community spirit," Chief Inspector Corner remarked.

The initiative, originally conceived as an anti-social behaviour diversion project in 2022 by the local neighbourhood policing team, has been part-funded and supported by the PCSP. Deputy First Minister and local MLA, Emma Little-Pengelly, praised the collaborative effort: "This is a great example of partnership success in the Dromore area. From the schools involved to the various agencies, including Dromore Chamber of Commerce and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership, this project is giving children really useful practical skills and teaching them road safety in a very memorable way while truly giving back to their town and local area."

She continued, "I'd like to congratulate all involved and the local officers for their efforts in setting up this initiative. My praise also goes to the children involved for their hard work."

Expert guidance on bike maintenance was provided by Stephen Smith of JR Magill Cycles, a local business established in Dromore in 1904.

Heather Bentley, Principal of Dromore Central Primary School, said: "The Bike Project was an event we were looking forward to and it did not disappoint. Not only did the pupils involved develop some extremely useful skills regarding bicycle maintenance and repairs, they also had the opportunity to learn valuable lessons in road safety. All of this was achieved whilst having the opportunity to foster and grow friendships with our neighbouring school, St Colman's PS. Thank you to all involved in both the planning and delivery of this event."

Maeve Savage, Principal of St Colman's Primary School, added: "We were delighted to be involved in this programme, along with Dromore Central PS, as it has benefited our children in so many ways. They gained practical skills which will remain with them for life, they formed new friendships and importantly they're left with a sense of pride in the contribution they've made to helping others in their local community. We hope to be involved in more projects like this in the future as it brings our young people together in such a positive way."