March 29, 2006 This news release issued by Grampian Police

Northfield Academy pupils will be getting out and about on ten state-of-the-art mountain bicycles valued at over £4,000 thanks to a donation from ExxonMobil.

Since 2002 ExxonMobil has been working closely with Grampian Police's first school-based officer, Constable Keith Mulloy. During this time ExxonMobil has provided funding for pupils of the academy to take part in a range of diversionary projects that has included leadership and team building skills, outdoor activities, confidence building and residential outward bound courses, all of which have been enthusiastically received by the pupils.

The purchase of these mountain bikes, together with the safety equipment supplied by Alpine Bikes, will provide the opportunity for Northfield Academy pupils not only to experience and enjoy all aspects of mountain biking including health and fitness, but also bicycle maintenance and road safety.

Constable Mulloy has recently completed a cycling leadership course with Aberdeen City Council that will allow him to escort the pupils on excursions safely.

Head teacher, Sue Muncer: " We are very grateful for the continued support to our school from ExxonMobil and for the opportunities that this gift gives our pupils. These mountain bikes will not only allow our pupils to experience a healthy outdoor lifestyle, it also teaches them roadcraft and the disciplines involved in maintaining their bikes so they can continue to enjoy them."

ExxonMobil’s Community Affairs manager for Scotland, Ian Hackers, is a keen mountain biker himself. Handing over the bikes to PC Mulloy, he said: “This is a great initiative that will benefit many young people in this area. On a personal note I am delighted to have been invited to join pupils on one of their bike rides. However, I think I’ll wait for summer before taking up the offer!"

Chief Inspector of Neighbourhoods and Partnerships, Malcolm McMillan, added: "Grampian Police is delighted at the positive effect this donation by ExxonMobil will have on the pupils in Northfield Academy and I would like to thank them for this opportunity. The support ExxonMobil has given the school-based officer since 2002 is an excellent example of how Grampian Police is working in partnership with other organisations to benefit of our communities."