ESH Parish Council has been rewarded for its efforts in looking after local footpaths over the past decade.

It was one of 80 parish councils and community groups to be recognised at a ceremony marking the tenth anniversary of Durham County Council's Parish Paths Partnership.

In the past five years, across County Durham, more than 300 new stiles and 90 new bridle and kissing gates have been installed and many miles of paths resurfaced and cleared of vegetation.

The council, whose area includes Langley Park, Quebec and Esh, received one of 18 awards for an outstanding contribution to the county's path network.

Parish clerk Mike Ackroyd said: "We have two path notice boards, at Esh and Quebec, which have a big coloured map of footpaths for the area. We are looking at one for Langley Park.

"We have produced a leaflet for our parish walks and we have repaired one or two paths in the area over the years.

"We check the main footpaths every year to make sure they are still open and see if there are any repairs that have to be notified."

Durham County Council's Parish Paths Partnership officer Victoria Lloyd said: "Esh Parish Council has been committed to the scheme since it began and is a regular applicant for funding.

"With such as active parish council, regular Parish Paths Partnership grants have been received annually to improve and promote the local rights of way network.