CHEDWORTH teenager Ben House has secured a job with a top removal company in Cirencester thanks to a trusty moped.

Ben, 18, found it impossible to attend his mechanical engineering course in Gloucester because of poor public transport.

But thanks to Gloucestershire Rural Community Council's Jump2Ed scheme, the young student was able to cut two hours travelling time from his commute.

Ben was enormously grateful, although even with his new moped travelling home to the Cotswolds could be hard during the winter months.

"The ride home was always the hardest, especially at that time of year," he told the Standard. "I was tired and it was dark and when someone slashed my tyres I felt really fed up."

Having completed his course, Ben soon found full-time employment with GB Liners.

He added: "I wouldn't have been able to complete my college course in Mechanical Engineering without Jump2Ed moped.

"Thanks to the scheme, I not only passed with flying colours but am working at GB Liners and I love it."

Jump2Ed is specifically aimed at young people aged 16-19 who want to attend college but are unable to due to difficulties in accessing reliable transport.

GRCC spokesman Barbara Piranty said: "The scheme has been so successful a similar scheme is being considered for the loan of bikes to enable 14-19 year olds studying for a diploma to move between sites."

To find out more or to apply for the scheme contact Jumpstart manager Frank Scriven on franks@grcc.org.uk or 01452 528491 or click the link below.