A ROSS-on-Wye schoolgirl has invented a revolutionary harness to help children learn to ride a bike.

Sky Ballantyne, 11, is the brains behind The Crikey Bike, which has a handle which sits at the back of the child's neck so parents can teach them to ride a bike safely without having to bend down to hold them in place.

She came up with the idea as part of a project she was undertaking at Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls and has seen her design appear on national television.

The Crikey Bike, which has been patented, was shown on 5 News, while Sky has also been interviewed on ITV Wales.

"When I saw myself on TV, I was so excited because I knew that people all over the country were watching me," said Sky.

"I was really pleased with how the video turned out and it is better than I ever imagined.

"Being filmed made me feel good because I was able to share my story.

"I found it interesting because I had never been filmed before and I didn't know what to expect.

"I loved the experience and I would definitely do it again."

Sky, whose 13-year-old sister Kia has been appointed as financial director of Crikey Bike, hopes that her harness will become a must-have for all cycling beginners.

The sisters have been presenting the design to Dragons Den-style boards of businessmen and have received very positive feedback.

Alexandra Lodge, who interviewed Sky for ITV Wales, said: "It was such a pleasure to meet Sky.

"Her invention is simple yet revolutionary.

"I'm sure Crikey Bike will be flying off the shelves when parents find out about it.

"I also have no doubt that Sky will become a very successful businesswoman and she's clearly got plenty more innovative ideas up her sleeve."

To see Sky on 5 news, visit youtube.com/watch?v=sSJ0q1v2K4Y