SCULPTOR Phil Townsend has produced a set of carved stiles for popular routes used by ramblers.

The carvings, which will be put up around the Teesdale village of Cockfield, in County Durham, are based on local landmarks, such as Blackburn Bridge, Scotland Lane and St Mary's Church, as well as local wildlife.

A sculptor for 20 years, Mr Townsend has been involved in several community-based projects with Groundwork West Durham, which promotes community schemes.

His work can also be seen at the Millennium Green in Tow Law, County Durham, where he has carved a life-size miner in stone.

He said: "These carvings have really been a team effort. We ran workshops at the beginning of the project involving the whole community, which enabled everyone to have a big input into the design and production of the stiles. The community is looking forward to seeing the finished stiles."

The project has been supported by a grant of £50,000 from Cdent, a landfill tax credit scheme, which is helping to improve the environment and regenerate the local community in former pit villages in the region.

Funding has also come from Cockfield Parish Council, Teesdale District Council and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund.

John Wearmouth, chairman of Cdent, said: "This is another example of how local communities can work together to bring about environmental improvements and leave their mark on the local landscape."