More than 8,000 children will continue to receive free cycling proficiency training after council bosses performed a major policy U-turn.

Earlier this year West Sussex County Council appeared ready to scrap the training which parents and teachers see as vital for the safety of youngsters using the road.

They had planned to introduce a £15 payment, leading to claims that some children, particularly from less well-off families, would miss out.

The decision to keep the free training, confirmed last night by county hall transport chief Coun Tex Pemberton, has been hailed as a victory for "people power" following a major protest campaign.

Worthing borough councillor Bob Smytherman had opposed the introduction of the proposed charges since they were first announced and had helped organise a petition which attracted signatures of parents, teachers and other people across the county.

He said: "I am delighted the cabinet member has reconsidered the decision to charge families for the cycling proficiency scheme in the county and this really does show that people power working together can change the minds of those that hold the public purse strings.

"Officers and members of the county council have worked tirelessly with schools over the last few months to find the resources to continue these courses and I am most grateful to everyone who has supported this campaign."

The proposal to introduce charges was planned as part of a series of major cut backs at West Sussex County Council in order for it to meet budgetary demands.

Its leader, Henry Smith, believes the council remains grossly underfunded by the Government.

The money to pay for the training will now come from grants provided for central spending on schools.

Coun Pemberton said: "I did listen very carefully to all the representations that were received, and am very pleased an agreement has been reached.

"The highways budget is under considerable pressure and this was a reason for looking at introducing a small charge for the proficiency service.

"We will be working closely with schools to develop the service, and one new feature will be a revised training guide that will accompany the scheme."

Coun Smith added: "I am delighted by this news.

"Despite an appalling lack of Government funding it's great that locally we've been able to find a way forward and keep cycling proficiency free.

"This is a most valuable service for our young people as it helps them enjoy bike riding whilst staying safe and encouraging positive travelling habits for the future.

"The fact the future of this service was under threat is a stark example of the severe budget pressures the county council is facing, much of it due to the chronic under-funding in terms of Government support for key services."