OUTDOOR enthusiasts were given reason to celebrate yesterday with the opening of a new cycle route stretching over more than 80 miles.

The Moor to Sea route gives people the chance to explore the delights of some of the region's most spectacular countryside in a safe way.

It links the three North Yorkshire towns of Scarborough, Pickering and Whitby and has been developed using forest tracks, green lanes and minor roads.

The route also takes in the path of the former Whitby to Scarborough railway line.

Development of the project has taken more than two years and hopes are high that it will become a national attraction, offering the opportunity to pedal through forests, open moorland and along the coast.

Even though the cycleway was only opened yesterday, there are already plans to extend the route even further.

Funding came from the North York Moors Sustainable Tourism Project, financed through the European Union, regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and the North York Moors National Park Authority.

Support has also come from Ryedale District Council, Scarborough Borough Council, North Yorkshire County Council and the Forestry Commission.