CHILDREN in Penhill are being sent home with greasy hands, oily knees and mucky clothes at weekends, and they are paying for the privilege too.

Fifteen youths from the area have begun to beaver away in a busy corner of Chippenham Close, where Penhill Community Association (PCA) has finally got the wheels in motion on its Build-a-Bike scheme.

Saturday marked the second in a run of 10 sessions with bicycle mechanic John Paine, who is leading classes which will ultimately furnish each apprentice technician with their very own ride.

And while it has proved a challenge to split himself 15 ways, John is pleased with the progress being made and the patience of his charges.

“It’s been hectic,” the 51-year-old said. “They all want my attention. We need to find a couple of mechanics to help.

“But we are controlling it because they are learning to be patient. They are learning from each other too, which is fantastic.”

PCA secretary Clare Foreman said: “I’m really impressed with how well they’re helping each other.

“They have been really, really good. They have all listened to what John’s saying.

“They seem to understand where the problems come from on the bikes. It’s improving their problem-solving skills. Even if they can’t work it out immediately they ask each other for help and their advice.”

While there are now more than enough frames, there is still a need for cables, chains and spanners. Many of those which came with the donated frames are not safe for future use.

The 10-week programme, which requires a £1 donation per session, kicked off nine days ago with an induction session led by John, who also restores bicycles with JohnTomJoe Charity Cycles.

But this weekend he finally let the kids loose on the bikes, oil and tools they have been looking forward to getting stuck into.

Jamie Northcott, 11, a pupil at Swindon Academy, said: “We have been creative with this. We are using a lot of our own ideas.

“We know what we are doing too, because of what John’s telling us. My grandad’s also taught me stuff, which is helping.

“Normally on a day off from school you think you’re bored, but here you get something to do and there’s refreshments.

“My parents asked if I was excited on Friday night about doing this and I said yeah because it’s a new experience.

“When we are older we might become mechanics.”

Next on the agenda for the young mechanics will be the all-important paint spraying, with creative sparks flying across the group for how they want their very own bike to look.

If you require more information, or wish to donate any products to the programme, contact Clare via e-mail: clare.27@live.co.uk