Lost and stolen bikes are helping children in Africa get to and from school.

The bikes are unclaimed ones at Dover and Folkestone police stations.

Officers have donated around 500 to the Immigration Removal Centre at Dover’s Western Heights where they have been refurbished by a group of detainees.

A workshop was set up there in 2006 by prison officer Kevin Sherman to give the detainees something to do, and also to teach them useful mechanical and repair skills.

More than 1,000 recycled bikes have been shipped out to developing countries since the scheme started and many people and organisations have donated old and unwanted bikes.

The shipping of the bikes is organised by Jole Rider, a charity concerned with creating positive change initiatives in Africa. The idea is that the bikes will be used by children to get to school.

Helen King, a director from Jole Rider said: “It means children don’t have to trek up to 10 miles in the searing heat to get to school and back, and has also given females an added sense of security as they journey to and from school.”

Mick Cronin, police community liaison officer, came up with the idea of using bikes from police property stores after a meeting at the immigration centre.

“This is a marvellous project which has helped so many young people improve their education and future prospects,” he said.