TELEVISION presenter Janet Street-Porter headed a crowd of 200 people campaigning for a bridge to allow walkers across the river in Burley-in-Wharfedale.

People turned out in their droves to show their support for the campaign, organised by Burley Bridge Association.

Meeting at the mini-roundabout, on Main Street on Sunday, the ramblers hit the trail to the stepping stones, at Greenholme Mills, which is the association's preferred site for the bridge.

The aim of the ramble was to raise awareness of the association's objectives, in linking the village to prime walking spots in the Washburn Valley.

Landowners are objecting to the extension of rights of way across their property.

Ms Street-Porter became president of the association several years ago.

Colin Newton, chairman of the association, said he was delighted Ms Street-Porter, who is also president of the Ramblers Association and editor of the Independent on Sunday, was taking the role so seriously.

He said: "She expressed her support. She knows the area well and she thought the campaign for a bridge was a very worthwhile cause.

"She was a very good president. It was nice to see somebody like that turning up and being involved in something."

Mr Newton said he was delighted at the number of people who donned their walking boots to show their support.

He said: "We had a good cross section of people. We had a good number from the village and walkers from outside. It was very nice."