The scheme, which is funded by a local partnership between South Yorkshire Police, the Wentworth South Area Assembly and Dalton, Hooton Roberts and Thrybergh Parish Councils, means that local Police Community Support Officers have four new mountain bikes at their disposal to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

James said: "I think the initiative is a very positive step for the area as a whole. My own passion for two wheels helped me to evade anti-social behaviour situations as a youngster”.

James added: "If I have one message to young people involved in anti-social behaviour in these areas, it would be to find something more enjoyable to do that has less of a negative impact on those around you. I am lucky to have an exciting lifestyle - but the reason for that is that I worked hard when I was young. I enjoyed racing and motocross so much that I was always practising and training.

The bikes ensure Community Support Officers have a higher visibility across the area. They can also patrol much further and faster than previously possible in the Valley, Silverwood and Rawmarsh wards. South Yorkshire Police Sergeant Karen Newton said that the bikes allowed officers to "respond faster than on foot, but to have greater accessibility than in a car."

The Chair of the Wentworth South Area Assembly, Councillor Lakin, said he is delighted that James backed this campaign: "James obviously enjoys riding anything with two wheels and I hope the young people living in Wentworth South take his advice. We know that similar schemes across Rotherham have already been successful and we are sure this success will be repeated here."