THE latest link of the nationwide cycle network has been officially opened by some tired environmentalists.

Members of the Acorn Trust opened the cycle link to Stanley town centre after completing a coast-to-coast cycle ride to celebrate the green group's tenth anniversary.

They were joined by the chairman of Derwentside District Council, Councillor Les Vaux, and Councillor Joe Toner, who accompanied the cyclists on the last part of their journey.

A council spokesman said that the cycle link will be extended to Flint Hill and Dipton later this year, to join the track with the Bowes cycle path.

The council has worked with the County Durham Environment Trust, the Countryside Agency, Durham County Council, development group One NorthEast, Groundwork West Durham and the national cycle group, Sustrans.