NEW signs promoting cycling in Christchurch will be funded with a £36,416 grant.

The cash from the Coastal Community Fund is intended to help local and visiting cyclists negotiate the borough's 24 mile cycle network.

Dorset County Council says the route is currently underused as people are unaware of its existence.

Wayne Sayers, the authority's sustainable transport manager, said: "We are pleased to have been awarded funding for new and improved signage for the cycling paths in Christchurch.

"The road network suffers from traffic congestion so encouraging more people to undertake more of their journeys by bicycle will help reduce carbon emissions and improve the environment for local people.

"We are working to make active travel a bigger part of our culture, connecting Dorset’s residents to their schools, shops, work and leisure facilities whilst improving health and cutting pollution."

The council has also secured more than £270,000 from the fund to upgrade a cycle route between Bridport and West Bay.