Keighley churchgoers plan to make a giant cross out of bicycle parts to tie in with the Tour de France.

The cross will act as a Christian response to the cycle race coming through the town next summer.

Church leaders want to help people explore the spiritual aspects of such a famous event occurring locally.

The project, being supported by Keighley’s Worth the Tour group, is the brainchild of Anglican minister Jonathan Pritchard.

The Rev Dr Pritchard, priest-in-charge at All Saints’ Church, Highfield, stressed the project was in its early stages.

It is not yet known whether the cross will be built on the day or created in workshops beforehand. He said the idea was to explore how people could bear Christian witness to the Tour de France.

Dr Pritchard said: “One way is to make a connection with the cross of Christ made up of broken pieces. Faith in God and Jesus is a natural part of life. You can see the sense of God in the shape of the Tour de France.”

The bicycle cross is just one aspect of Keighley churches’ planned involvement with the Tour.

Volunteers plan to serve free burgers on Church Green as people gather to watch the race through town on June 6, and provide entertainment, including face painting. The Salvation Army is to serve tea and coffee.

The Rev Peter Mott, priest-in-charge at Keighley Shared Church, said there was also likely to be an open-air service.

This follows the success of a similar event on the day the Olympic torch was carried through Keighley. Mr Mott said: “After the torch went by, there were about 600 who stayed for the service.”

Anyone wishing to get involved with the bicycle cross project can contact Dr Pritchard on (01535) 665312.