CAMPAIGNERS hoping to see a new coastal cycle route created between Minehead and Williton via Blue Anchor saddled up for a spot of cycling on Sunday morning to try and drum up support for the plans.

Local residents joined members of Minehead Cycling Club for a ride along Minehead seafront in support of the proposed Steam Coast Trail.

Cycling charity Sustrans has been working with green group Forum 21 since 2006 to create a traffic-free link between the towns.

An application is currently lodged with West Somerset Council to seek permission for the new path.

Cycle ride organiser Judy Mapledoram said she knew of families who were being forced to drive their children and their bikes out of the county to find safe cycling routes.

"Many people would love to cycle in this area but are too scared to go on the roads," she said.

She urged people in favour of the trail to make their views known to the district council.

The cycle trail application is due to be discussed at next Thursday's meeting of West Somerset Council's planning committee.