WALKING in North Yorkshire's countryside is being made easier as a result of extensive work by a county council's service.

The authority's envirionment and heritage scrutiny committee was told by the countryside service's John Edwards that, since it was set up a year ago, there had been "very substantial progress" in opening up walks.

Bridges have been repaired, steps built, signposts erected, gates mended, paths cleared, land drains installed, and stiles replaced with self closing gates.

The countryside volunteer taskforce has increased from 45 to 130, three rangers have been appointed, and an officer chosen to mastermind improvements to paths and walking routes.