PRIME Minister David Cameron opened a new cycle route that will eventually link Oxford to Worcester following the Cotswold Line railway.

The Witney MP visited Chadlington, near Charlbury, on Friday (April 25) to unveil one of the 150 new signs that will guide cyclists along quiet roads and tracks between stations from Hanborough in West Oxfordshire and Honeybourne near Evesham, Worcestershire.

The 77-mile route is route 442 of the National Cycle Network and it is hoped Oxfordshire County Council will fund signs for the remaining short section from Hanborough to Oxford.

Mr Cameron said: ““This is a cycling nation and in the year we are hosting the Tour de France I was delighted to open this new cycle route between Hanborough and Honeybourne.

“The National Cycle Network is a national treasure. It’s great for the community, linking up towns and villages and it’s great for local business like the café here in the village, which is already full of cyclists.”

The Charlbury Cycling Group designed the route and was supported by Sustrans transport group.

The Cotswolds Conservation Board, Cotswold Line train operator First Great Western and Charlbury Beer Festival provided £4,000 in funding.

Steve Bullen, chairman of the Honeybourne Bicycle Users Group, attended the launch.

He said: "I attended the launch of the route in the pretty village of Chadlington. This route will be particularly important for our area, and reinforces Honeybourne's position as the three counties cycling hub. In fact, there is now a cycling sign in Moreton-in-Marsh stating Honeybourne 14 miles."