VOLUNTEERS have cleared paths through the centre of a woodland on the outskirts of Durham.

The Friends of Pelaw Woods, set up to look after the 35-acre site in the Gilesgate area of the city, yesterday marked Make a Difference Day by clearing overgrowth from the paths.

Friends' secretary Roger McAdam said: "It was a lovely day. We had a splendid time. We have probably opened up half a mile of pathway. It has opened up the woodland extremely well."

The volunteers were led by local countryside rangers and included teams from Northumbrian Water and Home Housing.

The Mayor of Durham, Councillor Ray Gibbon, visited the site and helped for a while before handing out certificates to the 35 volunteers. The Durham Volunteer Bureau helped organise the event.