THE Greater Manchester scheme to offer local jobseekers a free bike to get to and from work does sound very sensible.

It is often tough enough for many people to actually find a job without the added problem of costly or even scarce public transport to get them there each working day.

The Bike Back to Work scheme by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) offers recycled bikes to those getting jobs. All help in keeping people in work is useful and this has the added health bonus of helping them keep fit, being independent and having transport available whenever needed.