THREE-year-old disabled tot Layla McCLoskey enjoyed the summer sunshine on her specially modified tricycle - thanks to the efforts of a Barrhead cycle repair shop staffed by special needs workers. The centre which is the first of its kind in the UK has been praised as the WHEEL thing after they sprang into action to help the youngster who lives with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy.

The Top Gear team even worked overtime to make sure Carlibar Family Centre pupil Layla got her bike in time to enjoy the recent brilliant weather.

Delighted mum Claire, 33, said: "I have been looking everywhere to get something for Layla and some places that I've been looking have been quoting over �800 for a bike.

"At the Barrhead Centre they've taken the bike and modified it to make sure it's safe for her and then they've given it to me free of charge.

"I could not be happier, I was actually crying when they handed it over."

The workshop has been set up at the Barrhead Centre which allows members of the public to bring their bikes along for a revamp and a repair.

Bosses at the centre believe the new workshop is proving a valuable asset to the community.

John Sheridan, Barrhead Centre's manager, said: "Setting up the cycle workshop gives service users the opportunity to take on responsibilities, learn vocational skills and in turn improve their concentration and communication skills. It gives everybody involved a valid and valued reason to integrate with the community and be a real asset to local life."

The new bike mechanics have spent hours training under supervision to learn how to service bikes, run safety checks and perform handy repair jobs such as fixing punctures.

The centre also sells used bikes to help raise funds - and they even have a mobile repair workshop which will tour East Ren schools to make sure bikes are roadworthy and to pass their knowledge onto youngsters. The idea for the workshop came from a group of cycling enthusiasts who meet regularly as 'The Barrhead Mellow Velo Club' and go out on a fleet of 16 specially adapted and various two wheeled bikes.

Lena Cooper from Barrhead who volunteers to help out at the workshop said: "At the start I enjoyed learning to ride a bike and helping others to do so. Helping with the bike rides is great fun and very rewarding."

John added: "The Barrhead Centre gives everybody involved a valid and valued reason to integrate with the community and be a real asset to local life."

The cycle workshop run by East Renfrewshire Community Health Care Partnership is open daily from 10am to 2pm and is looking for volunteers. To get in touch call 0141 577 8506.