After several months in storage, 84 bicycles collected by Berwick Rotary to support people in some of the poorest parts of Africa have now been taken on a 350-mile journey from Northumberland to Colchester in Essex.

A truck and trailer provided by local building firm MT Richardson delivered the bicycles – a mix of adult and children’s sizes, and all in good condition – to the warehouse of the charity Re-Cycle.

Georgia Brown, fundraising and marketing manager at Re-Cycle, said: “Now that they’re with us, these bikes will be prepped and shipped to communities where they’ll support access to education, employment and healthcare.

“Huge thanks to everyone involved from those who donated to those who organised, loaded and drove through the early hours.”

From left, Michael Richardson, Georgia Brown, Andy Whiteley and Jimmy Jamieson (Berwick Rotary).

placeholder image — From left, Michael Richardson, Georgia Brown, Andy Whiteley and Jimmy Jamieson (Berwick Rotary).

The project was co-ordinated locally by Berwick Rotary member Andy Whiteley.

It was launched at the Christmas Market in the town, which is organised by Rotary, with a festively-decorated bicycle and specially-produced publicity boards. The bicycles were collected on Berwick quayside over the course of two weekends in January.

Andy said: “We were thrilled to receive over two dozen at the first session and amazed that local people were able to donate more than twice as many bicycles the following weekend.”

"We are deeply grateful to Michael Richardson – who volunteered not just the vehicle, but the time to deliver the bicycles to Essex, driving an immense distance with Rotary members Andy Whiteley and Jimmy Jamieson,” added Berwick Rotary President Michael Gallico.

Anyone who would like to find out more about getting involved with Rotary work to support the local community and projects further afield should email [email protected]