A network of cycle paths linking communities and providing access to a nature reserve opened yesterday.

The Kyo Greenways Project in the Great North Forest has been completed after three years' work.

The project, which is part of the River Team Revival Initiative, has created a network of cycle paths for people living in the Stanley, Tantobie, Harelaw and Tanfield Lea.

More than 20 hectares of native broadleaved woodland have been planted to enhance the paths as wildlife corridors.

Leaflets containing details of cycling and walking routes are available from local libraries to help people explore the area. There are also display panels along the routes.

Biodegradable balloons were released at Tanfield Lea to mark the opening, which was preceded by a walk for adults and a treasure hunt for children.

The paths for cyclists, walkers and horse riders were formerly part of the Harelaw Waggonway and the Tanfield branch of the North-East railway.

Derwentside District Council was the lead organisation behind the project. The scheme's design, its implementation and management of the main contractors was undertaken by Groundwork West Durham.

Acorn Woodlands is responsible for planting the woodland and for fencing. It will carry out the work for five years.

More than £400,000 has been invested by regional development agency One NorthEast, the Countryside Agency and the County Durham Environmental Trust, under the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme.

Sustrans and Derwentside District Council have also provided funding for the construction of the paths.

Durham County Council has provided the link paths along roads and at crossing points with Forestry Commission Woodland Grant schemes and Future Forests grants used to help fund the tree planting.