Supporters of Burley-in-Wharfedale's campaign to create a bridge over the River Wharfe enjoyed a sunny annual pilgrimage last weekend.

Blue skies and bright sunshine greeted the 40-strong group who took part in Burley Bridge Association's (BBA) yearly, symbolic walk to the riverside spot near Greenholme Farm.

Silsden Brass Band had given the walkers a rousing send off from Grange Park before district Councillor David Harrison (Con, Craven) led the group on their way.

One notable absentee, however, was Independent on Sunday editor and rambler Janet Street-Porter, who was due to take part but had to make an appointment in Italy on the day instead.

BBA Secretary Brian Spence said: "I think it went very well. We had music from the band in the park to start with and helpers served up refreshments in the Parish Rooms.

"Then Coun Harrison led us off and accompanied us down to the stepping stones. The river was very low but the stones were still covered by water, and while we were there somebody who was trying to cross from the Askwith side actually fell in.

"We had to escort his wife across, which proves our point, really, that even at such a dry part of the year there is currently no safe crossing available.

"Janet Street-Porter sent her apologies and her best wishes, as she's been a strong supporter of the bridge campaign.

"It was a pity she wasn't there as a celebrity would have been a good attraction and might have brought out a few more people, but the weather was fine and it was a successful day."

The campaign to create a bridge connecting Burley and Askwith, near the spot where the usually submerged 'stepping stones' (actually old mill stones) are, is more than 100 years old.

The project has been dogged by opposition from local landowners and the complexities of creating footpaths over the proposed bridge which runs between two different local authority areas.