MANY children will be waking up to their first bike on Christmas morning thanks to a donation scheme by Run Repair.

Twenty pupils from underprivileged families at Mountford Manor Primary School will be given a second-hand bicycle as a present this year.

Cycle firm boss Matt Jones started a project this year to refurbish donated children’s bikes and pass them to needy families this Christmas.

The school contacted Matt after one of their staff members saw a post about the scheme on Facebook.

Assistant principal Helen Sanders works with the school’s family support works.

She said: “We saw this opportunity and thought it would be a great thing for some of our families. Especially after the year we’ve had, there’s a lot more stress financially and in other areas on families because of the Covid-19 pandemic. So we thought what a great idea that could bring so much joy to some of our pupils.”

The bikes were dropped off last week at the school to be kept until families can collect them.

“It’s a little bit strange because it’s all been in secret and the children aren’t really aware of what we’ve been doing.

“We had to secretly get the heights for the children so Matt could ensure the right bikes were given to each child. And we’re storing them secretly, ready for families to collect just before Christmas.”

The school approached families to see if this was something they needed, or were able to store safely.

Mrs Sanders said: “It will give the children a chance to go out and play, and freedom and exercise and fresh air. All the benefits linked to their emotional wellbeing. I think it will be a wonderful moment when they see their bikes.

She added: “It’s almost a shame that we’re not going to see the children get them on Christmas morning.

“I think for many of them they’ve never had a bike before so it is going to be a big surprise and something they’re not expecting.”

Matt started the refurbishment scheme in November.

So far 26 bikes have been passed on to families who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford one for their children.

He said: “It feels great that I am able to pass on the bikes to so many families for Christmas.

“Hopefully it will bring some happiness to the children that receive them.

“I hope this scheme is helpful to lots of families over what can be a tough time of the year for many. My plan is to hopefully run this every year to benefit families.”

To donate a bike or to benefit from the scheme contact Matt through Facebook at www.facebook.com/runandrepair/