BRITISH Cycling has announced it will open its first West Midlands 'Disability Hub' in Stourport to help more disabled riders get into the sport.

Stourport Sports Club will be home to the 12th HSBC UK Disability Hub in the country - and the first in the West Midlands - to host monthly sessions led by qualified British Cycling coaches.

The Kingsway facility will be kitted out with handcycles, tandems, trikes and bikes to support a range of impairments, making it suitable for those just starting out in the sport or rehabilitating from an injury through to athletes looking to compete professionally.

British Cycling’s delivery manager for the West Midlands, Amy Gardner, said: “This new opening marks an exciting new chapter for our ever-expanding network of HSBC UK Disability Hubs.

“We are very pleased to be expanding the programme to the West Midlands for the first time, where riders are able to develop their skills in a fun and enjoyable environment, making cycling a part of their lives.

"I’m looking forward to seeing first-hand the successes of this 12th hub in Stourport.”

The hubs have welcomed more than 5,000 riders to traffic-free locations across the country since their inauguration in 2014 and organisers say this new site will provide more accessible coaching in the West Midlands.

Sessions are organised and delivered by British Cycling coaches at dedicated cycling facilities, offering support for people with a physical or learning impairment to improve their fitness, technique and confidence.

Luke Harper, HSBC’s head of the British Cycling partnership, said: “Our partnership with British Cycling is very much focused on grassroots activity, and it is important to give people the opportunity to get on a bike for the first time, develop their skills or improve their fitness.

“We are proud to be part of this new disability hub in Stourport, providing support to those in and around the West Midlands who may not have had the opportunity through cycling before.”

Stourport's first two-hour session will be held on Sunday, March 31, and costs £4 when booked online.

For more information, call 0161 274 2070 or email go-ride@britishcycling.org.uk or visit britishcycling.org.uk/getinvolved.