A pioneering scheme to help young people from rural areas travel to work has been saved at the eleventh hour.

Wheels2Work, run by Bingley Voluntary Action, was facing closure after funding ran dry, but now the scheme has not only secured funding until next March but is also set to expand after Bradford Council offered it a £26,000 lifeline.

The project offers people aged from 16 to 24, who live in areas poorly served by public transport, the use of eight mopeds to allow them to travel to work, training or further education for six to ten months.

Wheels2Work project worker Lionel Lockley said: "I am extremely pleased Bradford Council has given this funding which will be used to assist young people who experience difficulties getting to work or further education or training, by allowing them the use of a 50cc Piaggio moped."

The scheme's funding, provided by the Countryside Agency when it was set up just over two years ago, ran out in March.

Potential users were dealt a further blow when it was rejected for Lottery funding.

Bingley Voluntary Action deputy chief officer Glen Miller said: "When news of the Lottery bid came in we had no option but to offer redundancy to workers or find funding at short notice. The project would have had its notice served this month."

A revenue grant of £10,000 will pay for the running of the scheme while a further £16,000 means it can expand.

The scheme has been able to buy another three mopeds - and hopes to buy a further nine by the end of next year.

People who use the scheme take a compulsory bike test before being allowed out on the road and are provided with padlocks, jacket and helmet.

They have to pay a returnable bond of £250 and between £5 and £9, depending on their income, to use the bikes.

Mr Miller said: "It allows people to get into work or training, but it also teaches them social skills. They learn about responsibility through looking after the bikes and setting up standing orders, for example."

A Bradford Council spokesman said: "We are delighted to assist such a worthwhile scheme."

To find out more call Bingley Voluntary Action on (01274) 781222.

e-mail: fiona.evans@bradford.newsquest.co.uk