ADDITIONAL land on the banks of the River Swale is to benefit from the protection of the National Trust.

Much of Hudswell Woods, on the western edge of Richmond, is already cared for by the conservation organisation.

The views towards Richmond Castle are among the most painted in the area, with one example by Edmund Niemann selling for more than £1,000 at Sotheby's auction house, in London, last month.

However, Richmondshire District Council has now donated an additional strip on both sides of the bridge at Round Howe to add to the protected estate.

The authority's executive director, Tony Clark, said: "Historically, this small strip of land belonged to the council, but we felt it was more appropriate for the National Trust to own it so the site can be managed more easily for public use.

He added: "It is, therefore, with great pleasure that the council is donating the land to the National Trust."

Other sections of Hudswell Woods have been in National Trust ownership since the 1930s and, until ten years ago, the district council managed the woods on the organisation's behalf.

Jem Tuck, National Trust property manager for Hudswell Woods, said: "We are very grateful to Richmondshire District Council for this gift of land which consolidates the National Trust's holdings at Hudswell Woods.

"We hope people will continue to enjoy the walks along the River Swale and through the woodland for many years to come."

Hudswell Woods - comprising Calfhall Wood, Round Howe and Billy Bank Wood - is an area of ancient woodland on the south bank of the River Swale between Richmond and Hudswell.

The 54 hectares of woodlands are rich in flora and fauna and boast fine river views.

Although the land is now in the hands of the National Trust, the district council still owns the bridge leading from Round Howe car park to Hudswell Woods and will continue to be responsible for its upkeep