The Met police is short of bikes to fill a container being sent to Gambia next month.

Any old and unused bikes – in any condition – which are donated, will used by children who have long distances to travel to school.

Police cadets are returning to the African country, where 29 per cent of the population is chronically undernourished, for the fourth time in February.

They will teach maintenance to ensure recipients can keep the bikes roadworthy.

Donations are also being sought of education equipment for use in the school, like books, paper and pencils.

The items will be collected at St Paul’s Church in Stoke Newington Road on Monday evenings for the next few weeks between 5.30pm and 8pm.