SEVEN signposts, each featuring sculptures of different kinds of footwear, from walking boots to trainers, are decorating a nine-mile stretch of the well-known walking route.

They will be dotted along the Teesdale Way, from South Bank to Coatham Marsh.

Redcar and Cleveland Council has located the signposts at the road junctions along the Borough’s part of the 160 kilometre Teesdale Way, which explores the course of the River Tees from its source on the high moors of Cross Fell in the Cumbrian North Pennines to its outlet at Redcar.

The council’s leader Coun George Dunning said: "These signposts are a marvellous additions to our part of the Teesdale Way.

"The trail through the Borough is full of contrasts, taking walkers through the boroughs social, cultural and economic life. The aim of the new signposts will help to promote the route, aid visitors and users along the trail, and add something special and unique to the trail."

With funding for the project coming from the Impetus Environmental Trust, the Council commissioned the signposts from metal sculptor Jim Roberts, whose three months work has now provided intriguing additions to match the barriers he made earlier.