Unwanted bikes are being given to inmates for use in prison classes.

Dozens of unclaimed and untraceable bicycles at Sutton Police Station have been transported to Wandsworth prison where they will used by prisoners in bicycle maintenance courses.

In classroom and workshop sessions, prisoners will be shown how to dismantle and recondition bicycles which will then be given to charity or auctioned for charitable causes.

Police carried out lengthy checks but were unable to trace owners of the bicycles.

PCSO Matt Webb, of Sutton’s Safer Transport Team, who helped the prison officers load the lorry, said: "It’s good to know the bicycles are going to be well used with proceeds going to charity."

Prison officer Steve Tugwell commented: "It gives prisoners the opportunity to learn new skills that could help them find work when they leave prison."