EAST Lancashire has been given £150,000 to persuade pupils to cycle to school.

The cash, divided among Barnoldswick, Blackburn and Burnley, is part of a major government drive.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling announced a long-term £10million project along with Education Secretary Charles Clarke.

In the first wave, 230 schools in 100 local authorities will get grants including several in Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

In Blackburn, the technology college will benefit from a £45,000 grant to the council to provide cycle access.

This will involve providing connections from National Cycle Route Six and to make it easier and safer to bike to lessons.

Burnley Borough Council has got £40,000 to develop a link from the Pennine Cycleway (Cycle Route 68) to Burnley College.

This is subject to negotiations to locate the new bike connection to the college through Thompson Park grounds.

In Barnoldswick, the local authority has been given £65,000 to provide cycling access from the Pennine Cycle Route to Coates Lane and Salterforth Primary School and West Craven Technology College.

Mr Darling said: "As well as being fun cycling improves health, reduces school gate congestion and pollution and provides our children with a sense of independence.

"We are determined to ensure that cycling and walking to school become a safe and healthy option for children and reassure parents that their children are safe when travelling to and from school."