A LOCAL charity is appealing for financial assistance in order to promote cycling as a hobby for all.

Just Cycle, based in Tweedbank, is seeking £1,260 from the Galashiels Common Good Fund to cover a shortfall in rent.

The charity aims to make cycling accessible to people on low incomes by renovating unwanted bicycles.

The bikes, many of which are destined for the scrapheap, are restored by a team of volunteer mechanics.

As well as being donated by locals, many bikes are salvaged from SBC recycling centres.

Just Cycle also aims to promote the environmental and health benefits of cycling whilst providing volunteers with important skills.

Trustee Lynne Marshall outlined her concerns regarding funding. She said: “This is not a time of year when we would expect great demand for bikes. Although we have been earning money through sales, additional funding is needed to help meet our overheads for the next few months.

“It is a concern.”

Despite the financial challenges facing the charity, Lynne feels that the organisation can make a positive contribution to the area.

She said: “We want to provide a service that will be of benefit to people across the Borders.

“As well as making cycling more accessible we want to provide a means for volunteers to increase their employability through skills development.”

The charity has only been operational for one year and has already received significant start-up funding.

Awards for All and Cycling Scotland have donated £9,900 and £4,700 respectively.

Despite an initial reliance on external funding Lynne states that Just Cycle “wants to be self-sustaining in the long-term".

The appeal for funding is due to be heard tomorrow (Thursday) by the Common Good Fund committee.

To find out more about donating unwanted bikes or volunteering, the charity can be contacted by emailing info@justcycle.org.uk or by calling 01896208180.