TEACHERS at two York secondary schools are switching to two-wheeled power for their daily business.

The pool bike scheme, launched by City of York Council, is providing the schools with two new bicycles for staff use.

The bikes, leased by Cycle Heaven of York, will be used on short journeys, often made

locally by car. Staff can also book the bikes out for travel to and from work.

Problems carrying large numbers of books have been overcome by providing strong panniers.

Staff from Oaklands and All Saints' secondary schools are the first to trial the new scheme, said to be first of its kind in the region.

Gavin Cowley, deputy head teacher at Oaklands School, said: "We expect our staff to lead on all aspects of behaviour and foster positive lifestyle choices in our pupils and their families. The pool bike scheme is a great opportunity for staff to do this as well as cutting down on needless car journeys and improving their health."

If the scheme is successful it will be expanded to other York schools that are developing a travel plan.

Andy Shrimpton, owner of Cycle Heaven, said: "We are delighted to support this project. In a nutshell, bikes are very cheap and very fast."

Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing, the council's executive member for transport, said: "This is another positive move towards residents and workers looking at transport alternatives and a great way to improve individual health."

Meanwhile, Oaklands School students were told to stay at home this week while emergency repairs were carried out to the school's heating system.

Parents were told to keep children in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 at home after engineers failed to get the system operating against falling temperatures.

However, external classrooms operating on a separate heating system will stay open to continue with examination courses for pupils in Year 10 and Year 11.

Anyone with any problems keeping their child at home should contact the school on 01904 782727.

Updated: 11:07 Thursday, December 12, 2002