CHILDREN will get the chance to create their own bicycles from unclaimed parts left with Laindon police.

The summer holiday project, called Pimp My Bike, will involve youngsters from the Five Links estate, Laindon.

John McKay, tenants representative for St Georges Community Housing association, which is helping organise the scheme, said: “This is a great opportunity for children.

“At the end of the day they will get a new bike that is roadworthy to keep.

“They will get a photo of the finished bike and it will be registered in their name with the police.

“As a treat we’re also looking at taking them to an off-road centre with the bikes at the end.”

Forms to join the scheme are due to be sent out across the estate and eight lucky children will be chosen to take part.

During the course youngsters will also learn about how to dismantle, repair and put bikes back together, as well as fine tuning and basic rules about cycling on the roads.

It will be run by the area’s community safety action group in conjunction with Basildon Council, police, trading standards and other community groups.

Mr McKay said the course may be expanded across the district should it prove a success.

He said: “Obviously there's more than 1,000 kids on the estate and only eight will get the chance to take part this time, but it could be rolled out across the district.”

All the parts for the scheme come from bicycle parts recovered by police that have not been claimed by their owners.