Local Round-up: Youngsters complete training programme

SEVEN young people have been honoured at a ceremony hosted by Port of Leith Housing Association for completing a six-month pre-apprenticeship training programme with local contractors.

Three have already secured employment, one is going on to further education and the other three are actively searching for employment.

The graduates were Janay Shelemy, Jamie Stevenson, Michael Fitzgerald, Daniel Dalziel, Lisa Kinnear, Gordon Arnold and Lee Daykin.

Keen cyclists wanted for a long ride

Friends of the Earth is looking for keen cyclists to ride between London and Edinburgh.

The Big Green Bike Ride, which takes place between May 11 and 12 next year, will see riders camp out along the route, which takes in London, Cambridge, Grantham, Beverley, Alnwick and Edinburgh.

Entrants will be able to cycle the entire 500-mile route or just a one-day section.

More details at www.foe.co.uk

Fitness event is taking shape

There will be a fitness convention at Meadowbank on August 13.

The event, which is open to the public, runs from 12pm until 8pm. Activities include Zumba, aerobics, pilates and belly dancing. For more information see www.fitnessaroundtheworld.co.uk.

Pets on show at Ingliston

A PET show is to be held at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, on September 3 and 4.

LovePets Scotland 2011 will include a wide range of animals, demonstrations in the main arena, and experts offering information and advice. For more info see www.lovepets.me.uk.

Try your hand at puppetry

Puppetry workshops will be held at Vision Mechanics' studios in Great Junction Street in September.

The sessions, for adults, run from 10am to 5pm, from September 5 to 10. Classes are suitable for beginners and more experienced puppet makers. All tools and material provided. Call 0131-554 8923.

Old vehicles turned into charity cash

Youth charity Venture Trust is asking supporters to donate unwanted and unused cars so their scrap value can provide it with a cash boost.

It has partnered with Giveacar, which collects cars free of charge and either sells them at online auctions or takes them to authorised scrapyards. Proceeds from the sale are then donated to a charity of the car owner's choice, such as Venture Trust.

For more information see www.giveacar.co.uk.