MP's support for efforts to turn bridge into bridleway

He will launch the Bridge the Gap campaign, which hopes to attract Lottery funding, on Saturday.

The project at Brompton-on-Swale, near Richmond, is one of 79 community schemes included in a bid by sustainable transport charity Sustrans for up to £50m of Big Lottery Fund cash.

The Connect2 campaign aims to create safe walking and cycling routes across the UK.

The Brompton-on-Swale bridge route would link with paths and cycle routes in the area.

A briefing session for residents was held in August and the idea is supported by the parish council, Richmondshire District Council, Yorkshire Water, Thomas Armstrong Limited, the British Horse Society, Richmond Cycling Club, Swaledale Outdoor Club and the Ragged Robins conservation group

Mr Hague will speak at the launch at Catterick Racecourse's north car park, near the bridge, at noon, when people can find out more about the proposals.

Mr Hague said: "Bridging the gap here near the busy Catterick Bridge is a great initiative.

"There is no doubt that everyone who enjoys walking, cycling, riding, or simply anyone needing to get from A to B on foot in this area, would benefit if the bridge was decked and brought back into use as a bridleway."

The Big Lottery Fund will decide whether Connect2 goes through to a televised public vote in December.

Other projects competing for cash from the Living Landmarks fund include the Eden Project, in Cornwall, Somerset Waterlinks, the National Museum of Science and Industry, the Black Country urban park and Sherwood Forest.

Sustrans chief executive John Grimshaw said: "Nearly two thirds of all car journeys are for less than five miles.

"By making it possible for people to much more easily walk and cycle in their local area, Connect2 would bring huge potential benefits for our health and the health of our environment in the UK, not only now, but for generations to come."

Details of the bid are on www.sustransconnect2.org.uk, or Text Connect2 to 80010.