THE steep hills of Haworth might not seem ideal territory to encourage people to cycle, but that has not put off one independent film maker.

Paul Richardson, from Scarborough, made use of the village's Main Street to shoot a teaser for a short film designed to promote cycling as a fun, healthy and convenient form of transport.

Mr Richardson, 41, cinematographer Jenni Suitiala, lead actor Andrew Dunn and camera assistant Will Roberts shot the 30-second teaser over several hours last month.

Viewers of a certain age will not take long to spot the film's visual and musical inspiration – the classic 1973 Hovis advertisement showing a young boy cycling up a hill.

However, Mr Richardson stressed that the latest production was "all about bikes, not bread!"

He explained that the teaser – which shows Mr Dunn's cyclist character toiling up Main Street – may not appear to make cycling look an attractive option.

But he noted that the completed short film, due to be released in time for the Tour de Yorkshire, will convey a very different, positive message for would-be cyclists.

"We've done it for our clients, i-Travel York, who are part of a national initiative funded by the Department for Transport to encourage alternative travel and reduce carbon emissions," he added.

"i-Travel York have a website with a journey planner which includes journey plans for cyclists and that's what we're promoting.

"The cycling film is the first of four films we're making this year. The others will look at trains, walking and also perhaps car sharing."

He said the filming for the teaser in Haworth had been successful, aided by helpful locals and good weather.

"I'd been keeping one eye on weather forecasts but it was a gorgeous day in the end," he said.

"I was keen to replicate the beautiful lighting in the original advert we were referencing.

"That advert was filmed in Dorset with a voice-over with a south west accent, but people often seem to remember it as being in Yorkshire, which is something we wanted to play off.

"But we're not wanting people to run out and buy a loaf of bread, we'd like people to get on their bikes.

"What we really appreciated in Haworth was how friendly and accommodating the local people were.

"We got our power supply from a nearby shop, which is something film makers depend on.

"And one person agreed to move their parked car so it wouldn't spoil the shot – for which I'm very grateful."

The 30-second teaser, titled A Grand Ride teaser trailer, can be viewed online via the City of York Council Youtube channel.

Andrew Dunn, the actor, who plays the cyclist, is best known for his role of Tony in the BBC sitcom Dinnerladies between 1998 and 2000.

He also played Roger Stiles in Coronation Street from 2007 to 2008.