A DUDLEY Council worker has been nationally commended for her efforts in championing cycling safety for children and young people in the borough.

Dudley resident Elizabeth Hampton has worked as a road safety assistant for the past two years.

Initially apprehensive about cycling, she received support from the council’s road safety team to get on a bike.

After completing Bikeability levels one, two and three, she became a qualified cycle instructor.

The council put forward Elizabeth for a personal achievement accolade, which she clinched at the recent National Bikeability Awards.

She has since become a cycling enthusiast, visiting schools and community venues across the borough to instill her love for cycling in individuals of all ages and abilities.

Elizabeth said: "I am incredibly grateful to the road safety team who helped me gain confidence on a bike.

"As someone who hadn’t cycled for many years, and didn’t even own a bike, I was nervous to get on a bike as an adult despite the obvious health and environment benefits to being able to cycle.

"It’s a huge honour to win this award, I will continue to promote the many benefits of cycling and I am incredibly excited to be able to continue with my work to help others gain confidence and safety skills for cycling."

Councillor Damian Corfield, the council’s cabinet member for highways and environment, said the Bikeability and learn to ride sessions have helped "hundreds of adults and children to develop confidence and skills" and he praised Elizabeth on her achievement.

He said: "I would like to congratulate Elizabeth on winning this award, she is a real inspiration to everyone and is proof that it’s never too late to benefit from all that cycling has to offer."

For more information on Bikeability sessions in Dudley people can visit Road Safety Dudley Council on Facebook or email road.safety@dudley.gov.uk.