Cllr Robert Frost, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Ed Clancy OBE as the new Active Travel Commissioner for South Yorkshire.

“Ed is from Barnsley so it’s great that his first visit was here, meeting children at Springwood Primary in Hoyland. Walking, running and cycling more helps you to be healthier and it’s better for the environment. Who could be better to inspire our young children to walk and cycle than an Olympic gold medallist?

“In Barnsley we’re working hard to make sure our borough will have different ways of connecting our places and people. Our latest new active travel routes are under construction right now. We look forward to working with Ed to get more people of all ages walking, running, cycling or using their wheelchairs to get around our borough.”