Every ten-year-old in York is to get cycle training thanks to a major new expansion of City of York Council's nationally-acclaimed training programme.

The pre-basic cycling skills course will provide all year five pupils (9-10 years of age) with a free half-day training session covering general cycling skills, bike maintenance and use of gears and brakes.

The aim of the course is to increase the number of children cycling in the city, and will complement the range of existing courses run by the council's road safety training team. Mieke Jackson, road safety training co-ordinator, City of York Council, said: "The aim of the pre-basic skills course is to provide children with basic cycling skills and to increase their confidence.

"The feedback we've had from the four pilot schools has been really positive and we've seen a real difference in the competence of the children who've been on the course."

Councillor Janet Looker, the council's executive member for education, said: "Learning cycling skills is an important extension of the main education curriculum. As well as helping the younger children with their cycling, the course also helps their confidence and co-ordination."

Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing, the council's executive member for transport, said: "City of York Council is leading the way in promoting greener travel, and teaching our children cycling skills is a vital part of achieving reduced congestion and safer, cleaner travel in York."

The pre-basic course is free and is tailored to complement existing courses for children, which focus on safety on the road. It is just one of the cycle courses provided by the council, which is gaining an international reputation for its training.

The council's road safety team provide a range of cycling courses for children from the pre-basic course for young children, to an advanced cycling course for secondary school pupils.