NATIONAL charity Sustrans is looking for volunteers to help maintain and promote the Spen Valley Greenway.

The charity, which helps more people to walk and cycle, is keen to hear from anyone in the area who has some spare time to help out with a variety of tasks on the seven mile traffic-free route.

This includes practical maintenance of paths, habitat management, litter-picking, and putting up signs. Skills such as photography, social media, presenting and promotion would also be helpful.

The Spen Valley Greenway is part of Sustrans National Cycle Network of more than 14,700 miles of cycle of walking routes throughout the UK, many of which are traffic-free.

The Greenway, which runs from Dewsbury, through Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton, to Oakenshaw near Bradford, was opened in 2000, using a disused railway line running near the River Spen.

The path is well surfaced and entirely traffic free, which makes it ideal for families with young children or anyone looking for an easy ride or walk.

It is owned and maintained by Sustrans and looked after by a team of volunteers.

Sustrans volunteer co-ordinator Abigail Pound said: “We need self-motivated people who would be happy to work individually or with a group.

“There are lots of tasks to help maintain our cycle route and improve the habitats for wildlife, as well as opportunities such as photography and social media. Please get in touch if you’d like to be involved.”

Volunteers receive training, support and tools, and the chance to meet like-minded people at regular volunteer days and training opportunities.

The New Year appeal is seeking those looking to start a new interest for 2018, or those who enjoy cycling or walking and have some spare time to help out.

For more information on volunteer opportunities or ideas about cycle and walking routes in Yorkshire or other areas of the UK, visit sustrans.org.uk. To contact the volunteer co-ordinator, email abigail.pound@sustrans.org.uk.