THE North East has been handed £17.7m to invest in the region's walking, wheeling and cycling network.

The cash boost forms part of the fourth round of the Government's Active Travel Fund.

A new, enhanced cycling and walking infastructure will be created, making it easier and safer for more people to chose active, low carbon transport options.

Cllr Martin Gannon, chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said:  “This is great news for local residents as it will help many people to enjoy walking, wheeling and cycling and the health and wellbeing benefits that come with active travel.

“We are committed as a region to providing safe and appealing transport choices and an attractive active travel network is a huge part of that.

“This phase of investment will go a long way to transform the daily travel choices available for many local people and I’m pleased that this is another positive step towards a green transport revolution for the North East, paving the way for further investment.

“Our region is determined to tackle the climate emergency we all face and encouraging more sustainable travel for everyday journeys will help us to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality – this is wonderful news."

National Active Travel Commissioner, Chris Boardman, added: “By giving millions of people the freedom of choice to walk, wheel or cycle for everyday trips, this funding will help us improve public health, tackle climate change and give hundreds of thousands of children the independence to travel safely under their own steam."