A 'BIKE library' scheme supported by Otley's Lizzie Deignan has been shortlisted for an international award.

The champion cyclist was one of several high-profile sports stars to back the Yorkshire Bank Bike Library when it launched as a legacy of the 2014 Tour de France.

The initiative is the only UK scheme to have been shortlisted for this year's Peace and Sport Awards, with the winner due to be announced in Monaco on Thursday, December 7.

It is designed to give every child in Yorkshire free access to a bike, and involves repairing donated bicycles and then making them available to borrow from 47 'libraries' in the region.

Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, Sir Gary Verity, said: "I’m beyond proud and thrilled that this scheme has been shortlisted for such a prestigious award.

"The scheme really is doing amazing things for the children of Yorkshire and I’m so pleased it’s being recognised in this way.

"Fingers crossed for success next month!"

The Peace and Sport Awards recognise organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to peace, dialogue and social stability in the world through sport.

The Yorkshire Bank Bike Library (a joint project with Welcome to Yorkshire’s cycling initiative, Cycle Yorkshire and Yorkshire Bank) is a finalist in the competition's Sport Simple Program category.

It will be up against two other schemes - one in Brazil to promote social inclusion for young people, and the other in Switzerland working with schools to increase participation in softball and baseball.