PEOPLE who keep their local footpaths in good order have been honoured for their efforts.

The County Durham Parish Paths Partnership (P3) celebrated its tenth anniversary with an awards ceremony.

Durham County Council held the event to recognise the work done by parish and town councils and community groups since 1993.

P3 officer Victoria Lloyd said: "The project aims to involve parishes and communities in improving and publicising their local public rights of way networks through surveys, maintenance work and interpretative material.

"Over the last ten years, about 80 parish and town councils and community groups have benefited from the scheme.

"In the last five years, over 300 new stiles and 90 new bridle and kissing gates have been installed and many kilometres of paths resurfaced and cleared of vegetation.''

Councillor Bob Pendlebury, the cabinet member for environmental issues, said: "We believe that the anniversary is an ideal opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of everyone who has taken part in the last ten years.

"The Parish Paths Partnership is a good way for people to improve their local area.''

Eighteen awards were made for outstanding contributions and 17 went to parishes and groups who have made a significant contribution.