A PLANNED new cycle route between Malton and Pickering was given a boost when the district council approved £75,000 to develop the project.

At a meeting of Ryedale's full council, members voted unanimously to hire consultants to take the plans forward.

The authority will then also apply to the Rural Development Programme for England tourism infrastructure fund for additional money.

Councillor Luke Ives, introducing the motion, said: “There is no guarantee of success, but the chance of success is higher now than ever."

The current proposal, drafted by the charity Sustrans in partnership with the district and county councils, suggests a route linked to the Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route up through Norton and Malton, past the railway station, and then north to Pickering via small lanes and bridleways.