The development of the Trent Vale Trail in Nottinghamshire is taking shape with the launch of a new phase.

Work has commenced on the next section of the trail, which will extend from the existing path from Newark.

When complete, the project will deliver a route from the north of Newark to the Dukeries Trail, opening up a new leisure route in the east of the county.

The new route should open early in 2020 and planning is well underway for the next section from Besthorpe to Fledborough Viaduct.

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This scheme has been designed with pushchairs and wheelchairs in mind, with local organisations and parishes chipping in with suggestions.

Working closely with Nottinghamshire County Council, the volunteers successfully bid for investment from EU LEADER funding. This has paid for this new section of the trail linking Collingham with Besthorpe, with part of the route passing through the Besthorpe nature reserve.

County and district councillor, Mrs Maureen Dobson, has been a keen supporter of the project.

Commenting on the project, she said: "I'm passionate about opening up the Trent Vale Trail.

"We know how important it is to take regular exercise, we are always being told by the health authorities we have to do things to stop obesity and diabetes and this is one of the ways to do it.

"This path will connect the villages and open up the area for walkers who want a pleasurable afternoon stroll, a bit like me. Or cyclists and people with wheelchairs or pushchairs, no one will be left out."

(CM/MH)