THE campaign for a footbridge across the River Wharfe at Burley-in-Wharfedale has received a boost thanks to a cross country event hosted by Ghyll Royd School.

A cheque for £100 was presented to Denis Read, treasurer of the Burley Bridge Association (BBA) by head boy Benjamin Sheard during a school assembly. The money was raised during the recent Wharfedale Cross Country League competition.

Headmaster David Martin said: "We were delighted when the House Captains of Nelson, Rodney and Drake chose Burley Bridge Association as their chosen fundraising charity. This term the Houses have organised and raised funds in a variety of ways including selling bacon sandwiches and teas at the schools recent cross country event. Since 1996 there has been a group of determined volunteers seeking to raise enough money for a bridge at Burley-in-Wharfedale. When completed, the bridge will open up the possibility of many circular runs and walks that would criss-cross this beautiful part of the Wharfe Valley benefiting schools, the local community, and tourism. We are very proud that we have been able to help the BBA and if anyone can support this worthwhile cause please contact them via their website www.burleybridge.com or their Facebook page."

Mr Read said: "The model of the bridge which we took along to the assembly was very popular with the children. It promoted a lot of interesting discussion about construction methods and the benefits of being able to safely cross what can be a hazardous stretch of water. It would be great in the future to be able to offer the students of Ghyll Royd and other schools in the village the opportunity to reliably cross the river for cross country running or environmental study. The school’s support is also a timely reminder that the bridge will open up many all year round routes for runners and running clubs in the area."

The BBA has a stall at the forthcoming Burley Christmas Market and lights switch on taking place on Saturday, December 3 and trustees will be available to answer any questions about the bridge campaign.