Hundreds of abandoned bicycles are gearing up for a new lease of life after being put to new use by a charity.

In just over a year, Brighton and Hove City Council has removed more than 500 bikes left chained up to railings and racks.

Rather than blocking the pavement, the local authority has handed them over to Sussex Central YMCA who use the vehicles as a way to support their work.

Between April and July this year the charity said bike sales had raised more than £5,000.

Ian Davey, the council’s transport spokesman, said: “This is a really brilliant scheme which alongside training for young people provides affordable, reliable secondhand bikes which will encourage more people to cycle and also provides new opportunities whilst reducing waste.”

The Highway Enforcement team from Brighton and Hove City Council deals with reports of abandoned bikes across the city.

Last year, they took 1,174 reports of bikes left chained to racks and other street furniture.

The council ticket those left on the street with a 14-day notice asking the owners to contact the council to claim the bike.

Removed If they are not claimed after that time, then they are added to a list for removals that are carried out every five to six weeks.

Between April 2012 and March 2013 the council removed 411 bikes. A further 107 have been removed since April.

They are given to Sussex Central YMCA, which supports children, young people and families in the local community.

The organisation refurbishes the bikes at their recycling and retail site to get them road ready again.

Once the bikes are tested they are put up for sale at its home store in Mile Oak Road, Portslade.

Juliette Beesley, of Sussex Central YMCA, said: “Thanks to this arrangement with the council we are able to sell safe, road-ready bikes at great prices.

“And the money we make allows us to continue providing help to those who need it the most. In addition to this we also help reduce landfill waste by recycling all bikes which we are unable to resell as scrap metal thus generating a further income for the charity.”

Anyone wanting to report a missing bike can call 01273 292929.