A YORK woman is appealing for donations to continue funding a scheme that helps give bikes to refugees and homeless shelters.

Emma Frost, 42, from Wigginton, runs a project called Bikes in Need, which provides refugees bikes so they can travel around York and find employment in the city.

After feeling helpless watching the refugee crisis, she noticed a Facebook post saying a young Syrian man was looking for a second hand bike to get to college.

She said: “I decided to go out and buy him one.

“He was so grateful for my help and it made me feel like I could make a difference for refugees in York.”

The project soon took off and since 2016 Mrs Frost has delivered more than 45 bikes to people in need.

She added: “York Council and Refugee Action York got in touch and asked if I wanted to work with them.

“Refugee Action York ask newcomers if they would like a bike and if so, they get in touch with me.

“I take bikes that have been donated to me to a repair shop and spend around £50 to get them repaired and suitable to give to people in need.”

Refugee Action York believe that the scheme has helped integrate families into the community.

Mohammed Syrian, 42, moved to York last year.

He said: "People in York, including Emma, have been so helpful and supportive in helping me settle in the city.”

However, Mrs Frost cannot afford to keep paying for bikes to be repaired solely from her job as an internet consultant for Salesforce and is now seeking donations on her JustGiving page.

She said: “I have a waiting list of around 20 people that I need to help.

“Any donations are greatly received and will be used for repairing donated bikes, lights and locks.”

You can donate online by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bikes-in-need