Horse riders took to the hills above Haworth on Sunday in a national event to raise awareness of bridleways.

The ride - known as a rendezvous - is staged annually by the National Federation of Bridleway Associations.

It was hosted this year by the Haworth and Oxenhope group, which organised six guided rides.

There were two circulars from Penistone Hill while other riders converged on the site from locations including Sutton, St Ives and Ogden Water. Around 40 people took part, among them two women who had ridden from Oldham especially for the event. Two mountain bikers also joined in.

Vanessa McCormac, a committee member with the Haworth and Oxenhope group, said: "It was an excellent day - the weather was perfect, and we were really pleased with the turn out.

"The rendezvous is held for pleasure, but also to raise awareness of bridleways and the need for them to be maintained and upgraded.

"In addition, funds are raised through entry fees to support the national federation's work in getting old packhorse routes open. Sunday's event raised about £400, which we were extremely pleased with."

After the rides, refreshments were provided - for the riders and their horses - and local group chairman Peter Hill thanked the participants and presented awards.

l The next pleasure ride organised by the local bridleways group is the Grainwater Bridge ride. For further information and details of other events visit the web site at www.hodbg.org.