WALKING group the Moorland Ramblers have helped to bring a new footbridge to Dartmoor.

Walkers following the popular Two Moors Way across Dartmoor can now enjoy an easier crossing of the river Teign at Frenchbeer in Chagford thanks to a generous donation from the local walking group.

Moorland Ramblers provided a £300 donation to Dartmoor National Park Authority to help fund the cost of the replacement bridge following winter storms.

The work was co-ordinated by national park ranger Pete Rich, with assistance from local farmers and contractor Allan Tyson of SW Countryside Contracts.

Andrew Watson, head of recreation, access and estates, said: ‘We would like to thank Moorland Ramblers for their generous contribution towards the cost of the new footbridge. The national park authority looks after over 700 kilometres of public rights of way across Dartmoor and donations to support our work to improve access are always welcome.’

The bridge replacement forms part of a wider programme of planned repairs and improvements for the Two Moors Way during its 40th anniversary year.

The Two Moors Way is a 100-mile, long-distance walking route from Ivybridge on the southern edge of Dartmoor, to Lynmouth on the north coast of Exmoor and crosses both national parks.

The Dartmoor National Park has just launched a new scheme, Donate for Dartmoor, which aims to raise money for a variety of conservation projects across the national park. There are three separate funds: Recreational Dartmoor, Natural Dartmoor and Historic Dartmoor. This is so that people can choose to support an area of work that means the most to them.

For more details about the Donate for Dartmoor scheme visit www.dartmoor.gov.uk/ visiting/donate-for-dartmoor.

The Moorland Ramblers are a group of walking enthusiast that meet every Sunday to walk between 10 to 15 miles, often across Dartmoor and the surrounding areas. The group is a part of the Ramblers — a British walking charity, working to safeguard the footpaths, the countryside and other places people go walking. The Ramblers encourage more people to take up walking as a fitness and social activity.

To find out more information about the Ramblers, as well as the routes and activities they offer, visit www.moorlandramblers.org.uk