The woodland in Oakworth Park has been made accessible to all thanks to the restoration of nearly a kilometre of Victorian-era pathways.

The work was funded by a £32,644 grant from Yorventure, which distributes cash from land-fill tax credits.

Bradford Council's culture, tourism and sport department co-ordinated the work, in co-operation with the park's friends group and Bradford Environ-mental Action Trust.

Councillor Kris Hopkins, the Bradford Council leader who himself lives in Oakworth, said: "This was an ambitious project, but by working closely with the Friends of Oakworth Park and a number of other community groups the fantastic end result has been achieved.

"Visitors to the park can now enjoy the restored pathways and make full use of the area.

"I'd like to recognise the good work the friends have done. They've turned round something which is a great asset to the area. I used to play here as a child myself."

Andy Wade, of the Friends of Oakworth Park, said overhanging trees, undergrowth and mud had encroached on the paths for at least ten years, making parts of the network almost inaccessible.

He said the restoration work on the paths has already attracted praise from local residents.

He stressed the project would allow more people to enjoy the woods, without harming wildlife habitat.

"Given the size of the wood and the size of the park we really needed to bring this area back into use," he said.

"We'd love children to be able to come here and play - it's better than them being on the streets." He added further improvements were planned, with a picnic area due to be created in the New Year.

Shaun O'Hare, who is also a friends group member, said: "Oakworth is surrounded by beautiful countryside but the provision of open green space within the village is lacking.

"This project has made the woodlands of the park more accessible, allowing more people of all abilities to enjoy them, as well as providing safer routes to and from the village centre and the school."