WORK began this week to restore Rylstone's picturesque duck pond to its former glory.

The feature which has delighted passers-by for decades is believed to once have been a village green. It was turned into a pond in order to provide a ready supply of water should there be a fire nearby.

It is fed from springwater from the fells around Rylstone, and the surplus dissipates through the Cracoe fault so it never overflows.

The pond was bought this year by the village community from previous owners Mr and Mrs John Usher of Rylstone House.

It is estimated that the work will cost around £2,500 which includes the legal costs of the parish meeting, plus public liability cover for the next five years.

The project has attracted grants from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Craven District Council's community chest, the National Lottery, Countryside Agency aggregate levy and Yorventure.

Even people from outside the area expressed a wish to donate some money towards the cost of the project, and several members of the local community volunteered their own time to help.

"The idea is to restore a very attractive feature of the village which will not only benefit villagers and its many visitors, but also the aquatic and wildlife in and around the pond area," said chairman of Rylstone and district parish meeting Jim Caygill.

This week local contractor Chris Benson brought in his machinery to clear out the silt, a major task last done 25 years ago. Other work will include restoration of the sluice gate, iron work, edging stones and walling.

Some self-seeded saplings will also be taken out and new native trees and shrubs replanted.

"With everyone becoming involved in the project it will create a sense of pride in their own environment as well as bring the community closer," added Mr Caygill.

The work is due to be completed by the end of the summer.