A CYCLING charity is giving people the chance to sponsor a one-mile section of its national network of routes, with parts of the canal path from Saltaire to Leeds up for grabs.

The 'Sponsor a Mile' package, offered by Sustrans, which runs the National Cycle Network, costs £30, and riders can choose from over 14,000 miles of terrain across the UK.

One of the sections falling within the Bradford district is National Cycle Network Route 66, which runs on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath between Saltaire and Leeds, and which is now being redeveloped as part of the £29m Cycle Superhighway project set to connect Bradford and Leeds.

In 2013, the Sustrans network was used by 4.8 million people making more than 748 million journeys, and the charity spends more than £1m on route maintenance every year.

Julian Hall, director of fundraising at Sustrans, said: “The National Cycle Network is enjoyed by millions each year and many people have a favourite mile, whether it’s somewhere they have enjoyed walking or cycling with loved ones, or somewhere that is particularly scenic.

"Sponsor a Mile allows people to buy a unique gift for someone, which in turn will help the charity maintain routes for years to come.”

More than one thousand miles have been sponsored already, with the money being put towards keeping the network up to scratch.

Those who take out a sponsorship will receive a personalised certificate, a fridge magnet, and regular updates from the charity regarding their chosen mile.

Sustrans Route 66 is being upgraded as part of the Cycle Superhighway project, with 14 miles of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath being resurfaced to help create the longest continuous cycleway in the north of England.

Metro, along with Bradford and Leeds Councils, and bid supporters Sustrans, CTC, and British Cycling, is supporting the scheme, which is being led by CityConnect.

Work has now commenced at the Kirkstall end of the towpath, with progress to the Swing Bridge at Rodley expected to be complete by April next year.

The entire stretch up to Saltaire is expected to be complete by June 2015.

Ginny Leonard, communications and engagement project manager for CityConnect, said: "The works are now well under way, and we are on target to finish in June 2015.

"Cyclists should check cyclecityconnect.co.uk for the most up-to-date schedule of closures, and additional information about diversions."

To find out more about the 'Sponsor a Mile' scheme, visit sustrans.org.uk.