A MAJOR project to get more people walking and cycling in Bournemouth and Hurn is to be put to a televised vote.

The Sustrans Connect2 bid has made the final shortlist of the Big Lottery Fund's The People's £50 million Lottery Giveaway and will compete with three other organisations for the £50 million jackpot.

If Sustrans' bid is successful, it will give £300,000 of the prize fund to Bournemouth council to fund a crossing over the River Stour.

The proposed "greenway" would provide a new route from North Bournemouth for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders and would link up to Bournemouth International Airport and Hurn Forest.

Sustrans' bid is being spearheaded by television presenter Lorraine Kelly and former minister Charles Clarke and will be featured on television on Tuesday, December 4.

Voting will take place online and by phone vote following the television shows.

Cllr Robert Lawton, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "This proposed route would make such a difference to so many people's lives.

"Many residents enjoy walking, cycling and riding in their leisure time so this would provide a recreational link between North Bournemouth, the airport and Hurn Forest."

And Cllr Ron Whittaker, ward councillor for Throop and Muscliff, who has been leading a campaign for a river crossing for more than 16 years, said: "The news of the final shortlisting is fantastic."

He added: "We now need to encourage as many people as possible to please register their details on the Connect2 website - sustransconnect2.org.uk and to support this bid as there will be many people and horses who will benefit.

"By encouraging people to register their support we will have a much stronger chance."