ECO-FRIENDLY Sandwell Council children's services staff have been given an electric car and two bicycles to get around their patch.

It is vital staff visit families to ensure children across the borough are safe and the new investment will be a boost to employees in the beleaguered department which was rated "inadequate" by Ofsted last month.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services said: "This is a great initiative and not only is it kinder to the environment it also saves the council money.

"The car and bikes have been well received by our employees and are being used regularly by staff working with young people and their families."

He added: "The members of staff who had the idea for this should be really proud of their achievement and I hope they do well at the awards ceremony."

The bikes have been bought along with safety gear and the car has been leased for two years and the money was donated by Centro's Smart Network, Smarter Choices, a scheme designed to help organisations make greener transport choices.

The scheme is expected to save Sandwell Council around £10,000 per year as staff will no longer be claiming for fuel or mileage when carrying out home visits.

The initiative has been praised by transport providers Centro and was nominated for an innovation award.

A Centro spokesman said: "Smart Network, Smarter Choices is a wide-ranging project that aims to tackle congestion, reduce carbon emissions and strengthen the economy by improving and promoting walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing options in key parts of the West Midlands.

"Thanks to funding from central government we have already been able to introduce significant infrastructure upgrades, but our work’s not over yet – and you can get involved."