THE University of Bradford has been named as one of 12 employers in West Yorkshire to be named a Walk Friendly Workplace.

It has received the accreditation as part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's CityConnect programme.

In partnership with the charity Living Streets, CityConnect is working with companies to encourage more staff to commute on foot and walk more while at work.

These include challenges, led walks, walking maps and on-site improvements to make walking easier and more convenient.

The other companies accredited include five other universities and colleges and Leeds City Council.

Councillor Keith Wakefield, chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s transport committee, said: “Walking brings many benefits - it can help reduce the risk of preventable diseases, inspire creativity, and reduce stress, as well as reducing travel costs and improving air quality.

“Encouraging more people to walk all or part of their commute can also help maintain a happy, health and collaborative workforce, which benefits businesses too.

“It’s great to see so many organisations across our region are recognising this and doing their bit to encourage more of us to build walking into our daily lives.”