A GROUP of volunteers will be reinstating bridleway steps in Wharfedale this weekend.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's volunteers will be in action tomorrow (Saturday) building a number of steps on the bridleway between Grassington Bridge and Wood Lane.

In all, 21 rotten step fronts will be removed and replaced before the route is resurfaced.

Funding for the project has come from the rent the authority receives from the Dickensian Festival for the use of the Grassington car park. This money is used for works to public rights of way around the parish.

Phil Richards, an area ranger with the park, said: "This project will see us reinvest the rent we receive from the Dickensian festival back into the Grassington area for the benefit of local residents and visitors.

"This Saturday's work is just one example of the work undertaken by Dales Volunteers who give thousands of hours each year to the authority. This project will not only improve the fabric of the national park, it will also add to the enjoyment of the many thousands who visit each year."

Starting at 9am the group of six Dales Volunteers will aim to have the project completed by mid-afternoon. This is the first of a series of practical days when the volunteers will undertake rights of way work throughout the south east of the national park.

Dales Volunteers are the voluntary arm of the authority and are involved in many areas of the park's work.

Among other activities, they lead guided walks, survey and repair public rights of way, check the condition of archaeological sites and buildings, talk to educational groups and survey trees and woodlands.

To find out more, contact the volunteer's co-ordinator on 01756 752748 or email volunteers@yorkshiredales.org.uk