WORK is nearing completition on a £32,000 programme to improve rights of way in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Nine villages have benefited from the scheme, said Paul Jackson, the AONB officer. They are Howsham, Whitwell-on-the-Hill, Firby, Crambe, Welburn, Bulmer, Stitenham, Kirkham and Henderskelfe.

Sign posts have been erected, gates have replaced stiles, and sections of boardwalk and flights of steps have been installed to help people over difficult stretches, he said.

Work started last January but came to a halt because of foot-and-mouth disease. Now the programme has started again, said Mr Jackson, and plans are being made for the next phase involving eight parishes in the Terrington and Amotherby areas including Grimston, Gilling, Brandsby, Swinton and Huttons Ambo.

He said: "If things go to plan this work will be finished during the winter and the team will then move on to tackle other areas."

The AONB covers 79 square miles, and its joint advisory committee has drawn up a six-year plan costing £170,000, funded by the Government's Countryside Agency and North Yorkshire County Council.

"The improvements are designed to give people more information about the destination and distance of their walk, as well as helping less able-bodied people by installing gates in place of stiles."

He said the project was a good example of a partnership venture.

"We have already had some good feedback from the public saying the rights of way are so much easier to use."