A PIONEERING bike library scheme with a branch in Keighley is in the running for a top international accolade.

The Yorkshire Bank-supported initiative is a finalist in the Peace and Sport Awards.

It is the only bike library project in the UK to be shortlisted.

The venture, set-up in the wake of the hugely successful Tour de France Grand Depart in 2014 and the Tour de Yorkshire, aims to give every child in the county access to a bike.

As part of the scheme, unwanted cycles handed in at one of 60 donation stations are refurbished and made available to hire for free.

There are more than 40 bike libraries across Yorkshire, including one run at University Academy Keighley and Keighley CyKle.

Helen Page, group innovation and marketing director at Yorkshire Bank, said: "We are delighted that the scheme has been nominated for this award.

"It's exciting to think that an initiative which is rooted in communities across Yorkshire is attracting international recognition."

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said he was "proud and thrilled".

He added: "The scheme really is doing amazing things for the children of Yorkshire and I'm so pleased it's being recognised in this way."

The project is up against two others in the finals – a scheme in Brazil to promote social inclusion for youngsters through sport, and the other in Switzerland working with schools to increase participation in softball and baseball.

The awards ceremony takes place in Monaco on December 7.

For more details about the bike libraries, visit bikelibraries.yorkshire.com.

Anyone wishing to borrow a bike at the Keighley outlet is advised to call 01535 210333 in advance to guarantee availability.