A WALK across 90 acres of rolling countryside and past castle ruins has been created.

Cousins Michael and John Davison teamed up with the Government to open farmland around Bishop Middleham, near Sedgefield, to the public.

The network of paths takes in the ruins of Middleham Castle, built in 1099 by Bishop Ranalf Slambard.

The move will see hedgerows restored to create field margins and native bird and wildlife populations will be supported. Other new footpaths, bridleways and cycleways are detailed at www.countrywalks.defra.gov.uk