Training helps duo get in gear

EMMAUS companions Paul Townsend and Stuart Hadfield clued up on cycle maintenance

A PAIR of formerly homeless people from Emmaus Mossley have completed cycle maintenance training to boost their skills and CV.

Paul Townsend and Stuart Hadfield - formerly homeless people who now live and work at Emmaus Mossley - completed the Velotech Bronze award training course delivered by Ayudante Bicycles.

The two-day course covered different aspects of cycle maintenance and repair including gears, brakes and rebuilding bikes from scratch.

Stuart, companion at Emmaus Mossley, said: "The training was very enjoyable and I learned a lot from the instructor. He taught us advanced techniques as well as lots of time-saving tips. I now have more knowledge and confidence in repairing all types of bike."

Emmaus Mossley supports 24 formerly homeless people by providing them with a home and work in a community setting. The charity runs a social enterprise in Mossley, selling donated and refurbished furniture, household goods, vintage products, clothes and bikes. The training course will also enable Paul and Stuart to repair and refurbish donated bikes to sell in the Emmaus Mossley second hand superstore.

If you have a bicycle in good condition that you no longer use then Emmaus Mossley would be grateful of the donation. You can drop off bicycles and other donated items at its Longlands Mill base in Mossley.

More details at www.emmaus.org.uk/mossley.