THE county's pubic rights of way network has been improved thanks to a team of volunteers and funding from the Welsh Government.

A project, backed by funding from the Welsh Government's Rights of Way Improvement Plan Grant, has seen more than 20 small bridges installed on footpaths across the county.

The thinking behind this project is that it will benefit tourism, helping walkers explore the countryside as the weather improves and evenings get later.

The group of 20 people, made up of 10 volunteers and 10 members of Monmouthshire's Countryside Access staff, have also received training on surveying small footbridges within the region's footpath network.

This training will help make sure both the newly built and pre-existing bridges are well maintained and safe for use.

Principal countryside access officer, Ruth Rourke, said: "There are over 700 bridges on the footpath network in Monmouthshire and volunteers are helping us to establish regular checks of some of these, assisting us to keep them safe for public use.

"We could not manage this task without the assistance of our volunteers and we are extremely grateful for their time given to undertake the training and surveys."

Monmouthshire's cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, public services and housing, councillor Giles Howard, said: "This grant funding has enabled the council to purchase materials and employ a contractor to install 26 footbridges and deal with a number of other minor bridge repairs with the aid of volunteers.

"I would like to thank the volunteers for their assistance and also the 33 landowners and tenants involved who have made this project possible."

If you would like to help with future projects or want to find out more about Monmouthshire's rights of way, email: country