YOUNGSTERS are now able to play in greater safety - thanks to the efforts of a pub landlord and his friend.

The fencing by the main road at Nosterfield, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, was falling apart and parents had been growing concerned.

So Kris Stephenson, 27, who runs the village's Freemason's Arms, and Steve Moses, 22, offered to do something constructive about it.

Using materials supplied free by Tarmac, which operates Nosterfield Quarry, they spent a day putting up a new, 140-metre post-and-rail fence.

The pair have been thanked for their efforts by the parish council and local parents.

"I used to have a landscaping business so it was second nature to me - but it was the first time Steve had done something like that," said Mr Stephenson yesterday.

"It was hard work but that doesn't hurt anyone and I don't mind doing my bit for the local community."