A CAMPAIGN is underway to create a major cycling route in North Yorkshire.

The Ryedale Trail is the idea of national cycling charity Sustrans, Helmsley Arts Centre, parish councillors and residents, said campaign leader Helen Gundry.

She said the aim was to link the communities in Ryedale with a route which would be safe for young and old, walkers, cyclists, buggies, dogs, horseriders and nature lovers.

“Sustrans can help with the bigger picture, backing our ideas with national research and case studies on how such major route would boost economic growth, improve health and help the environment," she said.

“Including everyone in this attracts support from all quarters and attracts political powers to get major Government and EU funding.”

The venture comes only seven months before the Tour de France’s Grand Depart comes to Yorkshire, and town and parish councils are being urged to get involved with the planning of the route, together with landowners.

“We are hoping that more people will see the benefits and opportunities and become supporters,” said Ms Gundry.

A steering group is now being set up and Pickering Town Council is among those which have given support to the venture. An action plan is also being drawn up, which will include public exhibitions about the potential trail, putting forward a vision document and ultimately outlining a preferred route.