PLANS to link Burnley to the National Cycle Network have been welcomed by the town's Mayor and keen cyclist Gordon Birtwistle.

Once complete, the 450-mile long national route will run from Derby in the midlands to Berwick upon Tweed in the Scottish borders.

The northern section of the route was opened in July 2002 and the section through Burnley is to come into use this summer.

The route, which follows the Pennine backbone of northern England, uses quiet rural roads, disused railway lines and canal towpaths.

It will enter Burnley from Pendle on the canal towpath and will run along the Straight Mile before going along Parliament Street and through Towneley Park on to Mereclough. From there the path will go on to Hebden Bridge via the Long Causeway.

Mayor Gordon Birtwistle said: "This is brilliant news. Anything that can help to provide extra facilities to Burnley is most welcome.

"I shall certainly look forward to riding on it when it comes into operation."

Coun Roger Frost, executive member for the environment and transport, said: "This is exciting news for Burnley as the Pennine Cycleway is expected to be a very popular route, similar to the 'Coast to Coast' route in Cumbria and Northumberland. It will put Burnley on the map and will be our first link to more than 5000 miles of existing national cycle network and bring with it a much needed economic and tourism boost."

Burnley Borough Council is working with Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, British Waterways and Lancashire County Council.

Improvement work is expected along Parliament Street, through Towneley Park and possibly to the canal towpath.