district councillors have approved Army plans to extend its ranges near Gayle and Kirby Hill, in Richmondshire.

They agreed a new track could be established, linking firing areas near Park Wood, to the south of the villages.

It is hoped the project will mean less military traffic passing through the communities as they will have better cross-country access.

The meeting was told an area of farm land would become part of the Feldom Ranges.

English Nature is planning talks with the Ministry of Defence to press for methods of management which will establish wildlife habitats in the area.