AN ANNUAL charity initiative returned to Yorkshire this weekend to raise money and awareness for the Palestinian cause.

Ride for Palestine returned last Sunday, with riders starting in Centenary Square and finishing the 42-mile route at Bradford’s Lister Park.

Cyclists from across Yorkshire and Lancashire gathered at 9am to start the challenge.

The route took the cyclists through Halifax, Huddersfield, Dewsbury and returned to a rapturous welcome in Bradford.

Cyclists wore shirts with the logo #RideForPalestine with some carrying Palestinian flags.

The main goal of the bike ride was to raise awareness of the situation of Palestinians and raise funds for a British NGO, Friends of Al-Aqsa.

Shadim Hussain, a member of the organising team, said: “It was great to see so many diverse people, especially children and young people and some of the local Palestinian refugee community come out to cheer on the cyclists and participate in the Peace Walk at Lister Park.” 

The biggest welcome awaited the riders in Lister Park in Manningham.

Hundreds of people, including dignitaries and Bradford West MP Naz Shah cheered their arrival.

The bikers are set to repeat the ride next year.