A HISTORIC footbridge across the River Nidd is set to be restored.

Conyngham Hall footbridge, in Knaresborough, is used by pedestrians to cross Nidd Gorge to reach the popular recreation areas of Horseshoe Field, Foolish Wood, Mackintosh Park and Bilton Fields.

Although safe for walkers, the main timbers are thought to be too weak to carry the grass-cutting machinery used by Harrogate Borough Council to mow Horseshoe Field.

The former Mayor of Knaresborough, Councillor Robert Aspin, has been working with Keith Wilkinson, of the Bilton Conservation Group, to persuade the Army to help replace the structure.

They had almost clinched the support of the Royal Engineers when the unit was sent to Bosnia and the project stalled.

Coun Aspin and Mr Wilkinson have now been told that the scheme has been registered on the HQ Engineer Branch Project List, opening it up to wider military support from units across Scotland and northern England.

Mr Wilkinson said: "If we can raise funds for the raw materials we are confident the bridge could be restored by the Army within the next 18 months - with steel girders replacing the wooden beams.

"This is a good technical project for the Army and a tremendous benefit for the community."

Coun Aspin dedicated his mayoral year in 2005 to raising funds for Age Concern and conservation in the Nidd Gorge.

He has already handed a cheque for £1,600 to the Knaresborough Nidd Gorge Conservation Group for the restoration.

He said: "This is the start of an exciting project which I know will revive the public amenity of Conyngham Hall grounds and help rescue Horseshoe Fields for residents and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.