STAFF and trustees at a charity that services and repairs and sells donated bikes has opened its newly revamped premises at Taunton Railway Station.

On Your Bike provides work placements to the long-term unemployed to improve their employability and well-being.

In addition to the training on offer, it rescues unwanted bikes to refurbish and sell at reasonable prices, saving the environmental cost of unnecessarily scrapping bicycles.

The opening ceremony was carried out by Taunton Deane Deputy Mayor Cllr Catherine Herbert, watched by OYB chairman of the trustees Roger Habgood.

Manager and chief executive of OYB Lucy Workman said: "There has been a huge amount of work put into preparing the premises and (mechanics) Phil Wright and Simon Smith achieved so much to get everything ready for the big day.

"We have been supported by the Lloyds Bank Foundation and GWR and are very grateful for all their help.

"We hope that these premises will make it easier for people in North Taunton to access quality sales and servicing, and that the station customers can take advantage of our services.

"Our beneficiaries come from across the borough and these premises will help us to support a greater number of people into work."

On Your Bike is open at the station from Tuesday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.