28572AWARD-WINNING ramblers have been keeping footpaths clear for walkers in west Wiltshire.

Together with Wiltshire County Council they have worked hard to repair and replace broken stiles, blocked footpaths and missing bridges.

The group of volunteers, mostly pensioners, were rewarded for their hard work with a Ramblers' Association award, published in their magazine The Walk earlier this year.

Mike Wood, 70, who has been helping out since 1995, said: "We work with the council footpath warden. He is the man who is legally responsible. We are just the workhorses."

They entered the Ramblers Association competition last year, when groups throughout the country were tested against each other. They found out they had won in April.

Their most recent project was along the Kennet and Avon Canal in Bradford on Avon where they added a kissing gate and bridge along the footpath to ease access on the way to Avoncliff.

He said: "It was a little bit difficult for the less able of us to get across. This meant people could get through easily and avoid falling in the water."

This week the volunteers, who work for about three hours every Tuesday, started on a new project to improve stiles in Westwood.

Mr Wood said: "It's a social activity. We lads get on together and have a lot of fun. It also keeps us fit."