Joint efforts by volunteers and council countryside workers have transformed a badly-eroded woodland path.

The 370 metres of pathway through Heber’s Ghyll Wood in Ilkley was described as “almost impassable” in wet weather before the work.

Bradford Council’s Countryside Service Team, assisted by volunteers, completed the restoration and resurfacing work, also improving drainage and putting up wooden benches.

The cost of materials and plant hire was paid for by the Friends of Ilkley Moor (FOIM).

Countryside Services Officer, Richard Perham, said: “The Heber’s Ghyll path completes over 1,500 metres of restoration and resurfacing of pathways on Ilkley Moor. There is more work to be done which will be carried out in the coming months, with the help of funding from The Friends.”

FOIM chairman, Owen Wells, said the path was very badly eroded prior to the work, often slippery in places.

He said: “There is now a well drained and dry path the whole length of the wood, with restored benches on which to sit and watch the wild life.

“This marks another example of the fruitful co-operation between the Countryside Service and FOIM.”

The three heritage walk leaflets can be downloaded from ilkleymoor.org or collected at the Ilkley Visitor Information Centre.