A cycling project is giving women the skills to confidently ride a bike in Bradford.

Friends of Bradford Moor Park, run by Naz Kosar, won the Voluntary & Community Group award.

The award recognises groups run by the community for the benefit of local residents in and around the Bradford district.

Friends of Bradford Moor Park has “brought life back to the Bradford Moor area”, according to users of the group.

The group started by arranging clean ups and free activities for children and parents and confidence.

Now it is also running cycling lessons for women and girls, inspiring new friendships.

The group of nominators, who benefit from the project, said: “This group is great at getting the community together and making positive change. They are determined and show full commitment in listening to the community and delivering at a high level.

“There is so much I could list but the recent project of improving health and well being has been much appreciated by many in the Bradford area.

“The group have cycling club teaching women and girls to cycle confidently on the road and learn new skills.

“There are many plans and projects they have lined up to improve health and wellbeing for all community members.”

Samina Naz said: “I was a complete non-rider, I had no experience whatsoever. It’s given us the opportunity to come out and learn how to ride. It’s part of our daily exercise as well as having fun with the whole group.”

Shahida Sardar said: “I felt absolutely amazing. This is a fantastic group, it does so much to help the women, encourages them to come out from their homes.

“We’re utilising this space, it was predominately male dominated before.”

She added: “Our elderly community ladies, they sit at home and think ‘This is for young people, not for us’. But age is just a number.

“It’s really good to see them out and about. It’s good for their mental health and wellbeing as well.

“It’s all thanks to Naz. We would love for this to carry on into other areas as well which brings the community together and helps all the females in the area.

“It’s the first time in Bradford Moor Park that something like this has happened and it’s a cause for celebration.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic that I’m happy to be part of this group, happy to be involved, and happy.”

Describing how it felt to win, Naz said: "Receiving the award is an amazing feeling and we were not expecting to win as we were up against two superb organisations. Everyone is a winner at this stage. Friends of Bradford Moor Park cycling group has allowed women and girls to form positive friendships, learn new skills and meet people from across Bradford district. We welcome women and girls from all walks of life and we hope many more join us to improve health and wellbeing.

"We would like to thank everyone that voted for us, it means a lot to the group."