An organisation in East Lancs is encouraging cash-strapped families to 'upcycle a cycle' this Christmas instead of splashing out on expensive gifts.

Social enterprise group, Newground, is running a series of workshops across the region, where parents will be able to learn how to restore a bike and then take it home for free.

Newground’s Active Spaces Officer, James Kenyon, said: "The most wonderful time of the year can also be the most stressful as parents frantically try and get their hands on the latest must-have gadget for their children.

"Luckily, the humble bike is a wish list gift that never goes out of fashion.

"So if you want to avoid the annual battle with batteries and instruction manuals, come along to one of our workshops.

"Not only will you take home a free bike but you’ll leave with the skills to be able to maintain your child’s bike yourself, avoiding costly repairs in future."

The workshops, which are being supported by Active Lancashire and the European Social Fund, will take place on Tuesday December 18 from 10-11am at Bacup Family Centre, Bacup; Tuesday December 18 between 12pm and 2pm at Hodge House Community Centre, Nelson; and Wednesday December 19 between 10am and 12pm at Shadsworth Hub in Blackburn.

Newground also run weekly restoration workshops at The Annexe in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, every Thursday from 10am-12pm.

Mr Kenyon added: "As a social enterprise specialising in environmental services, we work in partnership with refuse sites across Lancashire to access discarded bikes, which we bring to the workshop.

"In six to eight weeks, participants can completely restore a bike, which they can then take away with them for free.

"In addition to learning practical skills such as how to repair a puncture or how to adjust gears and brakes, the workshop is a chance to meet like-minded people and can have a positive impact on the physical health and mental wellbeing of those who come."

To book a free workshop place, call James Kenyon on 07545 734361 or email james.kenyon@newground.co.uk.