Organisers of a practical road-safety awareness day hosted by a Keighley school say they are delighted with its success.

The project at University Academy Keighley was arranged by Bradford-based haulage training firm Freight Train as part of the build-up to the Tour de France Grand Depart visiting the district.

It was designed to help young and vulnerable road users – including cyclists and pedestrians – safely share the roads with heavy goods vehicles.

Many pupils from different schools attended the event and had a chance to go inside the cab of a lorry to learn how the driver’s view is restricted.

Transport consultant and haulier Lesley O’Brien, event organiser and owner of Freight Train and Freight-link Europe, said: “The day was great – it could not have gone better.

“The schools thoroughly enjoyed being involved. One of the pupils from Beechcliffe who came to the truck experience had a fear of heights and going up ladders. But he overcame his fear because he really wanted to sit in the cab of a lorry. That was very touching.”

Mrs O’Brien, who has just been honoured with a 2014 Yorkshire Woman of achievement in Business award, said the university had been excellent hosts, providing food and refreshments throughout the day.

Last Wednesday’s event, backed by Sport Keighley, West Yorkshire Police, BusOasis, DHL Logistics and Worth the Tour, included real-life stories explaining the perspectives of lorry drivers and cyclists.

In the evening there was a debate and an opportunity to hear expert opinions from a panel comprising representatives from the police, cycling organisations, the Road Haulage Association and transport authority Metro.

Mrs O’Brien said: “The idea was to get road users with varying needs and perspectives to work together to make our roads a safer place. This won’t happen overnight but we’ve taken a step in the right direction.”