VOLUNTEERS and keep fit enthusiasts have been preparing for Spring on some of the long distance cycle routes in York.

Groups from Sustrans, the charity that encourages people to walk and cycle rather than use the car, and from Good Gym York, whose members combine running with community activities, have cleared snowberry and ash saplings from Routes 65 and 66 of the National Cycle Network.

They also collected 24 bags of litter.

Route 65 follows the River Ouse through the city and Route 66 crosses it as Millennium Bridge.