KIRKLEES’S greenway network has been named the best in Europe.

The council received the top honour at an awards ceremony in Madrid, hosted by Spain’s Environment Minister, Cristina Narbona.

It was awarded first prize in the mobility section of the European Greenway Awards, hosted by the Spanish Railways Foundation.

Clr Martyn Bolt, Kirklees Cabinet’s member for transport and the environment, was at the ceremony.

He received the award from Ms Narbona and Carlos Zapatero, the foundation’s general director.

Clr Bolt said: “It was a fascinating experience and provided a chance to see what other European countries are doing for cycling promotion.

“Kirklees has been promoting greenways for only eight years, so to be the best in Europe is a testimony to our officers, partners and everyone who has worked to drive this network forward.

“Kirklees won this award in the face of strong competition from countries across Europe, beating France and Italy into second and third places.

“The greenway network is a major priority, not only in terms of the ‘green’ transport agenda, but also in promoting healthy living and leisure activities.”

There are four greenway routes in Kirklees, which are also recognised as National Cycle Network routes.

These are the Birkby-Bradley Greenway, the Spen Valley Greenway, the Spen Ringway and the Calder Valley Greenway.

The network is a signed, mainly traffic-free route between Bradley, Huddersfield and Dewsbury town centres.

Much of the route is rural and it is ideal for families to walk, jog, ride or cycle along.

Clr Bolt added that if land and money became available other routes could be created to incorporate Meltham and the Colne Valley. Also, the Calder Valley route may also be extended.