Leicestershire County Council (LCC) has completed work on a £65,000 project to open up around 100km (62 miles) of public rights of way to the west of the county.

Work to improve footpaths and bridleways has seen the removal of stiles and introduction of kissing gates to boost access, particularly for disabled people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters. It is hoped the improvements, which have been completed in time for the summer holidays, will be used by residents as a means of getting to work, school or shops in addition to leisure purposes.

LCC cabinet member for climate change Professor Mike Preston said: "In Leicestershire, we have a wonderful network of rights of way linking communities and providing access to the countryside. "We want to make sure that everyone can use them, and that they can make this network of paths and bridleways part of their daily lives."