COUNTRYSIDE campaigners are celebrating after winning a long running battle to open up a new bridleway after overturning the perverse decision.

Walkers, horse riders and cyclists spent several years fighting to clear the way for the 1.5 mile route between Boosbeck and Slapewath, east Cleveland.

The Guisborough Bridleway Group and Ramblers Association, backed by Redcar and Cleveland Council, launched their campaign in 2004 to convert the disused railway route into a public right of way.

However, a objection from a landowner and a missing document from another landowner resulted in the application failing on a technicality.

The Ramblers took the case to appeal and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs quashed the original inspectors decision before the case reached the High Court.

The group were victorious when the second inspector found in their favour.

Volunteer footpath officer John Birtill, who represented the groups at both inquiries, said: "I was bewildered by the perversity of the first judgement.

"The Ramblers stood alone in taking on the task of pursuing this case to the High Court and the associated risk of costs should we have failed. We presented detailed legal arguments to defend the rights of the public to use this way.

"Finally our efforts have been vindicated and we are very pleased that we have won this case for the public."