'Our BMX sessions steer kids off the streets'

The biking sessions started three years ago in collaboration with Notts Outlaws, a local BMX group

"When people see kids on bikes, they assume they are causing trouble, but here, kids can express themselves safely."

Those are the words of Keiren Thompson, who runs "Helping Kids Achieve", a charity which provides free BMX sessions to "steer kids off the streets" and "on to the track" instead.

He says activities like these are "vital" for the area of Bulwell in Nottingham - as the suburb has some of the "highest levels of deprivation and anti-social behaviour".

The group is open to everyone, he adds, including children who are at risk of being excluded from school.

Mr Thompson won BBC Sports Personality Unsung Hero award in 2019 for his work with the charity.

His community project is based in Bulwell and provides free sports, activities and mentoring for young people from deprived areas of Nottingham.

Mr Thompson, who grew up in the town, was hospitalised as a teenager after being badly beaten in an attack.

The 36-year-old said the incident "inspired" him to "make a change in Nottingham" and stop youngsters getting into similar issues to his attackers.

About 30 children aged between five and 15 attend the group

Mr Thompson, 36, said: "The inspiration for the club came from wanting to give those kids who hang around and cycle on the streets somewhere safe to do that.

"What worries me is they can be more susceptible to trouble and getting lured into anti-social behaviour when they are on the streets.

"So we are trying to appeal to those kids and give them somewhere safe to cycle while learning a new skill."

Phenix, 12, was previously mentored by Mr Thompson and has now been attending the club for more than a year.

He said: "Right now there is a lot of crime in Bulwell, and having clubs like this helps you get away from it all.

"When there isn't much to do after school, it's easy to meet the wrong people and get into trouble.

"But this place motivates me - you can progress to the nationals, championships and other races.

"I feel like I have achieved so much since being here and have something to look forward to every week."

Claire said there should be more clubs like this across the country

Claire, 46, takes her son Alfie to the sessions.

She said: "When my son said he wanted to do this, my anxiety went through the roof. All the jumps and everything - I asked him - 'why?'

"But now, he's joined a separate BMX squad and performs in regional competitions.

"Without this club, I'd worry that my son would fall into the trap of anti-social behaviour that many kids do," she added.

"Anti-social behaviour needs tackling, and more places in the country should have clubs like this to help combat it."

Matt Irons, principal at Bulwell Academy, said: "The Bulwell Academy is proud to be working in partnership with Keiren and "Helping Kids Achieve".

"The programme has already had a profoundly positive impact on a number of pupils at our school, and we are excited to continue this collaboration into [the future]."