A new cycling scheme was launched in Pembrokeshire this week called Cycle Pembrokeshire - which will promote cycling in after-school clubs, youth clubs and other community groups. Thirty mountain bikes will be on hand for groups throughout the county to borrow, with funding also available to train would-be mountain bike leaders. The new scheme is supported by Sport Pembrokeshire - the sports development arm of Pembrokeshire County Council - together with the YMCA, Newgale Outdoor Education Centre, local youth clubs and Pembrokeshire's Youth Offending Team. Sport Pembrokeshire has secured a Sports Council for Wales grant to help get the new partnership up and running. The funding will also cover the cost of the bikes and associated safety equipment and will help pay for some initial training for mountain bike leaders. Clr. Rob Lewis, cabinet member responsible for sport, said the initiative was aimed to encourage safe, off-road cycling. "We are always keen to promote cycling as a form of exercise," he said. "Youngsters, in particular, will enjoy the opportunity to give mountain biking a go." John Deason, manager of Sport Pembrokeshire and acting chair for the new partnership, said local partnerships would run the scheme at a community level across the county. "Our first job is to ensure that we train sufficient mountain bike leaders for each of these new local groups," he said. The initiative is drawing on the experience and good practice of the Youth Offending Team's 'On Yer Bike' project in Pembroke Dock. The bikes will be maintained and managed by Newgale YMCA Outdoor Education Centre, who will also provide the training, and will be transported across the county in a custom-made trailer. For more information on Cycle Pembrokeshire, contact Sport Pembrokeshire on 01437 776188 or email [email protected]">[email protected]