Horse owners are celebrating after winning a 15-year battle to re-open an ancient bridleway in Bradford.

Thackley, Esholt and District Bridleways Group fought to have the route from Tong Park in Baildon to Hawksworth reinstated.

And tomorrow scores of jubilant horse riders will cut a red ribbon across the bridleway and mark the official opening with a ride along the track.

Group treasurer Tracey Peel said she was delighted the long-awaited day had arrived.

"It's wonderful and we're so pleased our hard work has eventually paid off," she said.

"It's an important bridleway and when I was younger I used to ride along there to a blacksmith's in Menston.

"It is a vital link to allow riders to ride through the countryside around Baildon and Hawksworth, and all the way up to Menston, without having to tackle the dangerous, bendy country roads.

"These bridleways need to be preserved as they are not only a part of the countryside but also a part of our heritage."

The route closed after the bridge across Baildon Gill fell into disrepair and was replaced by a narrow footbridge, which was unsuitable for horses, and was recorded as a public footpath.

Campaigners launched a petition and wrote hundreds of letters to Bradford Council to reclaim the bridleway, which takes in Ladderbanks Lane, Willow Lane, Straight Lane and Bradford Golf Club.

And one of the group's publicity stunts a couple of years ago included members dressing up as a pantomime horse to highlight their cause.

Bradford Council's Countryside and Rights of Way service paid £3,000 for a new bridge which was built by a team of volunteers and members of Cullingworth paths Group.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, executive member for environment, said: "This is a great example of local people working together with the Council.

"Thanks to the efforts of everyone, including a team of volunteers, horse-riders and cyclists will be able to enjoy the beautiful countryside along the bridleway."

The route was cleared and sign-posted by Bradford and Leeds Councils as it crosses two district boundary lines.