It was at this point that it becomes important to have friends. Most people in authority are very receptive to the idea of recycling. "Make as many links with MPs councillors, the local police, probation service, CVS, anyone who you can form a partnership with," is Bernie's advice.

Through contacts with Waste Strategy they were able to find their current premises - an industrial unit that has been scheduled for closure, and so was made available for their use. The local council Grants and Partnerships accountant is another friend who has provided key advice in making BikeRescue happen financially.

But recycling a thousand bikes a year takes more than just premises. It takes hands, skilled hands. And skilled hands cost money. "Our decision was not to rely on grant funding for the core business," explains Bernie. "We have tried to make that pay for itself, at the moment we are still not paying ourselves a proper salary, but we have two part time mechanics and an admin assistant who all get paid." Bernie, a former cycle mechanic and sign language interpreter, and Andy, a former professional rally driver, engineer, and teacher are both skilled mechanics so still get their hands dirty when not snowed under with the huge amount of paperwork involved in keeping BikeRescue afloat.

Much of that effort involves outreach into the community. In common with similar projects elsewhere they receive local authority grants for running training courses. And the local youth help out via the 'earn a bike' scheme where they can get a fully functioning cycle if they put the hours in to renovate it. Andy is fullsome in his praise for these many volunteers; without them the project would not have been possible.