AN astonishing 150,000 bikes have now been shipped off to people in Africa thanks to the incredible work of a charity based in Wormingford, near Colchester.

Re-Cycle ships out second-hand and donated bicycles to people who will benefit from them in countries such as Ghana, Zambia, South Africa, the Gambia and Sierra Leone.

The charity, which was formed in 1998, hit the incredible milestone of shipping out its 150,000th bike yesterday (September 19).

Re-Cycle spokesman Georgie Brown said: "It’s an incredible achievement for the charity.

"Reaching this milestone has been a culmination of hard work and dedication from our volunteers, partners and supporters.

"Together, we’ve been able to make a meaningful impact on communities across Africa, providing sustainable transportation that improves access to education, employment, and healthcare.

"It’s truly rewarding to see how a simple bicycle can change lives."

The 150,000th bike is being delivered to Re-Cycle’s partner in Sierra Leone, Village Bicycle Project, which focuses on providing bicycles to rural areas where poverty rates are high.

Village Bicycle Project specifically targets women and girls, providing them with the opportunity to access opportunities that are often far from home.

Spokesman Abdul Karim Kamara said: “Bicycles are a powerful tool for change, particularly in rural areas.

"For women and girls in Sierra Leone, a bike can mean the difference between walking miles to school and having the tools to achieve their dreams.”

Since its first bikes left the UK in 1998, Re-Cycle has sent 335 containers of bicycles to communities across Africa.

The organisation's efforts not only save thousands of bicycles from UK landfill but also provide people in Africa with a sustainable, affordable means of transport which boosts access to education, employment and healthcare.

The work doesn't end with delivering bikes to communities, as the charity also trains local mechanics.

Georgie said: "We also train local bicycle mechanics to maintain and repair them, ensuring their longevity and sustainable impact within these communities.

"In addition to providing transportation, we’re helping to build bicycle-related economies and creating opportunities for local employment."

For more information about the charity and to donate, go to re-cycle.org.