A CHARITY using off-road motorcycles to engage with young people is on the right track to success after receiving funding for an electric motorcycle.

The Bridge Centre Motorcycle Project works with youngsters from throughout the county to offer them support through challenges that they may be facing in everyday life.

Now, the group, which is based at the Bridge Centre in Haddington, has received a boost from Community Windpower.

Collin Glass, senior project worker with the motorcycle project, was delighted with the £3,995 donation to cover the cost of the Talaria Sting bike.

He said: “We have been talking about it for maybe the last year or so and about whether it was a possibility.

“I thought the natural person to speak to would be Community Windpower through BeGreen.

“They were fantastic, very supportive of us, and funded towards the cost of the bike.”

The group still uses petrol bikes on its track, as well as the newly purchased electric bike.

Mr Glass said that the group was keen to reduce its carbon footprint and become more environmentally friendly.

He added: “The kids absolutely love it. We have only had it for a matter of weeks and it has certainly been really popular.”

The project was first established in 1990 before becoming a full-time charity in 1999.

Bridge Centre Motorcycle Project works with young people aged from 11 to 24 and is designed to support individuals who have a wide range of additional support needs by using off-road motorcycles and team building games/exercises as mediums to engage them. The work is ultimately aimed at promoting inclusion and social welfare.

Mr Glass added: “It is a great experience for the kids.

“They get an opportunity to do something they would otherwise not have done.

“We have been doing a lot of work with Knox Academy Meadowpark and a lot of the kids have autism and other associated needs.”

The group has also worked alongside Musselburgh Grammar School, looking to boost confidence, improvements in behaviour and school attendance.

Anouska Woods, community coordinator at BeGreen Dunbar, said: “We are delighted to fund the cost of a new electric motorcycle for the Bridge Centre Motorcycle Project.

“Community Windpower are passionate about developing local communities and championing for a more sustainable future.”