STILES and gates are the star attraction of a new exhibition at the Yorkshire Museum of Farming in Murton Park.

The City of York Council is backing this unusual and unique permanent display organised by The Yorkshire Footpaths Trust.

The Museum, just off the A166 east of York, displays items which demonstrate good practice in methods of public rights of way management and tackles issues such as access to the countryside for disabled people.

The display is supported by the Countryside Agency and all of the items are manufactured to current British Standards specifications and are designed to meet the needs of the disabled, riders on horseback, as well as the walking public.

Peter Evely, head of highway regulation - the council department responsible for the local network of footpaths and bridleways, said: "We are delighted to see this important resource installed at the museum.

"We see this as a very positive way of showing farmers and landowners how they can maintain their boundaries in a way that encourages responsible use by the public of the paths which cross their land."

The display opens on August 15 at 10.30am.

PICTURE: GATE EXPECTATIONS: Yorkshire Footpaths Trust member John Cundill with one of the gates which forms part of the exhibition at Murton

Picture: Mike Tipping