VOLUNTEER Brian Bradley-Smith is not one who is afraid to go that extra mile - as his hobby clearly proves.

For years he admired the worn milestones that are dotted along many of North Yorkshire's highways and byways.

Understanding that budgets did not allow for regular upkeep of the milestones, Mr Bradley-Smith contacted North Yorkshire County Council and offered to do the job for free.

The authority responded positively to his spirited offer, supplying him with all the equipment necessary and even carrying out a risk assessment exercise to ensure his safety at all times when working at the roadside.

Divisional engineer Chris Craven said: "It was an offer I couldn't refuse. The milestones are in need of refurbishment, however the work could not be a priority within the environmental services budget.

"Brian has restored quite a few already and has plans to do more in his area. I believe he has enjoyed doing them so far, and I'd like to thank him very much for all the time and effort he has put into the work."

Mr Bradley-Smith, from Knaresborough, near Harrogate, said: "The milestones are listed monuments and part of British heritage, dating back to the 19th Century. There are about 32 left in the Starbeck division, of which I have so far restored nine.

"It's a very rewarding pastime, although due to the state of repair it takes longer than I had first imagined, but it does mean that I can really see the benefit of my work."