A NEW cycle route through north Durham opened yesterday.

The £125,000 Hetton to Pittington and Rainton Bridge Cycleway provides 5km of paths for cyclists, walkers and horse riders. It is also accessible to wheelchairs.

It was built as part of the Hetton Sustainable Transport Project (HSTP), in response to residents calling for better cycle access to their schools and businesses.

It links the villages with the main employment areas of Rainton Bridge, Belmont and Dragonville, near Durham City.

Cash for the project came from the New Opportunities Fund and Local Transport Plan for Tyne and Wear.