Improved walking and cycling laid costing £2 million will be installed in Barnsley after the government granted almost £25 million to South Yorkshire.

And extra cash will be used to fund a trial that will see electric vehicles buzzing around the borough.

It is hoped the money will help Barnsley Council meet its goals of reducing traffic and congestion and boosting the economy.

The £24.6 million is part of the a sustainable transport fund and Coun Linda Burgess and Coun Roy Miller, both of whom have responsibility for development, said it was good news.

Coun Miller said the most significant project in Barnsley would be the creation of improved walking and cycling routes in the town centre and Dearne, as well as improving the road network to reduce congestion.

He added: " It will also give us better public transport connections to Doncaster, by doubling the frequency of the X19 bus service, as well as providing another 'Jobconnector' bus service that will feed the Shortwood business park. It will also fund construction of the park and ride car park at Elsecar Rail Station."

Coun Burgess said: "This award will be a great help in delivering our ambitious economic strategy and promote sustainable access to the jobs and opportunities that it will produce.

"With it, we can promote sustainable modes of transport on a much wider scale in the areas where it will deliver the greatest benefits for our economy."

• For more detail on the Elsecar park and ride plans see this week's Hoyland edition.