Children in Bingley have been using pedal power as part of a campaign to get more youngsters riding their bikes to school.

About 50 children, their parents and cycling enthusiasts joined in with the Bike-it Pedalling Picnic ride along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal from Crossflatts to Saltaire, organised by Sustrans, the charity for sustainable transport.

They started at Crossflatts Primary School, on the new cycle path which leads to the canal, continued along the towpath to Bingley and met groups from Myrtle Park and Cottingley Village primary schools.

They all rode on to Roberts Park, in Saltaire, for an afternoon of fun and games - and a go on some wacky stunt bikes.

Bike-it schools officer Vicki Hill said Bingley was chosen because of reduced congestion in the town since the opening of the relief road.

"Bingley is a town which has seen a lot of changes since the relief road opened and it's a good opportunity for people to make the most of this and get on their bikes," she said.

"We felt Bingley was somewhere we could make a difference and after the enthusiasm we saw among the children and parents who took part we are certain there is a great future for cycling in Bingley. It's such a lovely route along the canal and it also helps show people that they need not always cycle along roads."

She said she hoped many of the children would now use their bikes to get to school when the new academic year starts in September.

Earlier this month the Telegraph & Argus revealed how Bradford schools were now among the top five in the country for promoting healthy routes for pupils.

More than £300,000 was awarded to be shared between 50 primary and secondary schools for new cycle paths, footpaths, bike sheds and school entrances.