Ramblers and county council chiefs braved the cold to unveil a flagship footpath project near York.

North Yorkshire County Council and the Ramblers' Association officially reopened a three-mile stretch of path between Kirkham Priory and Howsham Bridge.

The Ramblers' Association undertook vital conservation work on the route, which was funded by the council.

The path will be included in an eight-mile walk organised as part of the Ramblers' Association's national Festival of Winter Walks.

Coun Peter Sowray said: "We're delighted this partnership between the council and local walkers has proved so successful and we hope the Kirkham path will be the first of many such important projects in North Yorkshire."

A spokesman for the Ramblers' Association said the group would continue to press the council for improvements to many public rights of way, but it was delighted with the latest partnership work.