CHILDREN from schools in the Keighley area took to their bikes to carry a baton across the district.

More than 100 children from 17 schools across Keighley and Bradford were chosen to join the Schools Yorkshire Tour baton relay to celebrate National Bike Week.

The project, which aimed to encourage more young people to cycle, started on June 5 at Pickering, North Yorkshire, and is passing through every part of the county before finishing on July 3 in Millennium Square, Leeds.

Last Friday the baton was carried by pupils from Cullingworth, Lees, Haworth and Oakworth primary schools including a ride along Main Street in Haworth.

The Monday journey included students from Parkwood, Eastwood and East Morton primary schools, with the latter pupils riding along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath at the Bingley five rise locks.

Accompanied by members of Sustrans, the young cyclists used bicyles provided by Bradford Bikeability Scheme, and used road cycle paths and towpaths when possible.

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, called the project an exciting opportunity for young cyclists to inspire others to get on their bike.

He added: “Cycling is fun and is good for the health and wellbeing of our children. It also improves the air quality for local residents and helps to relieve congestion outside school gates.”