A bridge over one of the county's rivers that was demolished many years ago is to be replaced.

The county council has agreed to build a footbridge over the Nidd, between the villages of Kirk Hammerton and Tockwith.

The former West Riding County Council gave permission to demolish the original bridge, saying there was no public right of way over the river.

But in recent years, the Ramblers' Association and other interested parties have sought to have the bridge replaced. However, in trying to do that, the county council has been faced with complex legal problems that have now been overcome thanks to a local landowner offering to dedicate a right of way across the river.

The authority's Harrogate area committee has accepted the offer.

Executive member for environmental services John Fort said: "Reaching an agreement for the building of this bridge has been a key target for a number of years.