THE Hardie Cycle Hub, Old Spokes Home, based in Hardie Park, Stanford-le-Hope made good use of their young apprentice, Ross's skills recently by repairing a local cycle campaigner's bike, following an accident in November last year.

Rob Groves, CEO at the park said: 'Matt Hill, Thurrock's stalwart for cycling and founder of

Thurrock Cycling Campaign had a nasty accident at the end of last year on his bike and has been off the road since.

"Matt has been following the doctor's orders by resting and is now ready to get back on two wheels. The bike, however was a little worse for wear. In a covert operation we picked up the damaged cycle in the Hardie Park van and our apprentice Ross repaired the bike as a surprise for Matt.

"He's a great supporter of our park and we are so pleased we could help.

"Ross has just passed his Cytech Level 2 training allowing him to service, refurbish and sign off cycles from the hub, a well-timed qualification that was put to good practice."

The Hardie Cycle Hub, The Old Spokes Home is now open four days a week (Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun) 9am to 4pm for servicing, re-furbs, accessories and cycling advice.

If you are free over half-term you might want to visit the park for "On Yer Bike Week". A great week planned full of cycle themed activities from Saturday, 15 February to Sunday, 23 February.

The hub will be open and Forward Motion, funders of the cycle hub project will be on site for some sessions of fun over the course of the week. Activities will include, bike skills, cycle maintenance, security marking, cycle themed craft and lots more.