BICYCLE charity ReCycle has opened its second national collection point at Freshwater.

The Essex-based charity, which sends unwanted bicycles to less developed countries, already has one collection point at Colchester.

The Island collection point has been opened at the Old Fire Station, Freshwater, organised by local organiser Daniel James, who has been promoting ReCycle since 1998.

He said: "The Isle of Wight has a strong association with cycling, and a proud record of helping less well off people overseas.

"We hope to continue that record, and put a derelict community-owned building back into use too."

The charity wants after bicycles in fair to good condition, and also asks for a donation towards the cost of shipping. Tools that can be used to repair bikes are also welcome.

Since 1997, more than 8,000 bicycles have been shipped to countries such as South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, Romania and Haiti.