Swept-away Hamsterley Forest trail path reopens
A County Durham forest riverside footpath washed away in storms has reopened after £6,500 of repairs.
Parts of the 1.5-mile (2.4km) Bedburn Beck trail in Hamsterley Forest were swept away in June 2010 in heavy rain.
The path is the forest's most popular walk and it has now been re-laid and resurfaced for walkers, as well as wheelchair and pram users.
The project was a joint venture between the Forestry Commission and Durham County Council.
Richard Gilchrist, chief recreation ranger at the forest, said: "The flooding caused a lot of damage in the forest and the Bedburn trail was a high-profile victim.
"Hamsterley is a beautiful wood and some of the finest views can be seen by walking along this lovely path.
"We are delighted that it is now back on track."