WALKERS can now cross a beck safely - thanks to the efforts of ramblers.

Members of the Lower Wharfedale Group have just put the finishing touches to the new footbridge across Ghyll Beck in Rawdon.

And they are confident it will make life much easier for the many walkers using the two footpaths between Rawdon and Horsforth.

Jack Jowett, honorary footpath secretary of the group, said the bridge replaced an old one made out of two sleepers that had been badly damaged in last year's floods.

"It is a big improvement on the old and damaged sleeper bridge.

"The sleepers were at a much lower level and although the beck is very low now it would have been several feet higher up during the floods when one of the sleepers was actually swept away."

The bridge, which is paid for by the Ramblers Association, conforms to strict safety guidelines.

Mr Jowett added: "Our working group has been operating for the last seven years and has done a tremendous amount of work within our group's area - from Ilkley Moor to Thruscross and Horsforth to Addingham."

And he hopes people will appreciate their efforts.

"I'm sure they are appreciated and I'm sure the local authority will be pleased," he said.