A teenage cyclist has been selected to help shape the future of the sport across the UK.

Caitlin Tromans, 16, of Cleckheaton, beat off strong competition to be selected by sports body British Cycling to sit on a youth taskforce.

The 12-person National Youth Forum meets at British Cycling HQ every three months to help develop opportunities for more young people to ride, race and volunteer in the sport.

She said: “I wanted to be a member of the National Youth Forum, as I’d like to put my ideas out to the rest of the forum and see if other people agree with what I have to say.”

Caitlin volunteers at East Bradford Cycling Club and has already been presented with an award for her work in promoting the sport.

She holds a gold award in the British Cycling award scheme for young volunteers, after demonstrating a continued commitment to volunteering at her cycling club.

John Mills, British Cycling director of coaching, education and development, said Caitlin had already made a huge impact on the cycling community in the Bradford area.

He said: “It was a very tough application process and we were overwhelmed by the strength of the candidates who put themselves forward for the role.

“Caitlin has already made a huge impact on cycling in her area through her role as a dedicated volunteer. We are now keen to give her the opportunity to be the voice of youth riders and help to shape the sport.”

Cycling is enjoying a surge in popularity across West Yorkshire as excitement builds ahead of next year’s Tour de France Grand Depart.

More young people are also taking up the sport, with British Cycling membership topping 11,000 for the first time.