A PARTNERSHIP that aims to improve and promote County Durham's paths network is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

More than 45 parish councils, town councils and community groups have benefited from Durham County Council's Parish Paths Partnership (P3) since 1992.

Groups can apply to P3 for help with projects or annual maintenance work, including vegetation clearance, while work on public rights of way receive 100 per cent grants.

P3 officer Victoria Lloyd said: "From small beginnings ten years ago, P3 has blossomed, and in the past five years alone work has included more than 300 new stiles and more than 90 new bridle and kissing gates."

Between April and September this year, P3 repaired 13 stiles and built 26, resurfaced 290 metres of path and cleared more than 24,700 metres of vegetation.

Anyone wanting more information can contact the P3 officer, Victoria Lloyd, on 0191-383 3355