Bromley youngsters excluded from mainstream school clinched second place at a borough cycling competition.

The Bromley Trust Academy, based along Grovelands Road in Orpington, provides alternative education provision for pupils aged five to 11 who have been or are at risk from being excluded from their mainstream school.

The children either have social, emotional or mental health difficulties.

MORE TOP STORIES Teacher Deborah Salsbury liaised with Darren Williams, a British Cycling coach, about setting up a cycle club at school and they agreed to train the pupils for free. 

But, the school had no bikes.

Local residents and business came together to donate 20 bikes for free, and provided servicing.

They came second overall in the Bromley Interschools’ Cycling Competition held last Wednesday (May 20) at Bromley's Norman Park.

Mary McKeeman, executive head teacher, said: “I am incredibly proud of what our pupils have achieved.

"The fact that they have become accomplished cyclists is great. However this competition has given them so much more.

“It has done wonders for their emotional resilience, self-esteem and sense of community belonging."