A campaign to build a new bridge across the River Wharfe has received a £10,000 boost – thanks to a secret benefactor.

The Burley Bridge Association has been leading efforts for a bridge at Greenholme Farm, Leather Bank, Burley-in-Wharfedale, since 1996 to replace dangerous stepping stones.

Last year, the association revealed plans for a scheme costing about £300,000 and set about raising funds for the project, including the £30,000 it needs before submitting a planning application.

Last night, association secretary Peter Young said the group was getting close to submitting the application, thanks to the latest donation from someone who wanted to remain anonymous.

“Over the years the bridge campaign has received various gifts of money,” he said. “Recently, members were grateful for two donations amounting to £1,500.

“The Burley Bridge Association’s latest benefactor has happy memories of early days in Burley and feels a bridge would be an amenity to benefit the village.”

Mr Young said the association needs the initial £30,000 to pay for consultants and surveys and is working with engineering company Ramboll UK, which created the Millennium Bridge across the River Ouse in York and a new crossing over the River Calder at the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield.

The latest project is the third proposal for a safer crossing across the Wharfe.

In 1999, planning permission was granted for a structure across the weir, but the scheme did not go ahead because of difficulties with the footpath, and in 2007 a proposed bridleway bridge was seen as too large.

Mr Young says the Burley Bridge Association believes a new crossing is still needed, despite some people believing the stepping stones should remain and be improved.

“Burley Bridge Association members feel that the unsatisfactory river crossing in Burley is denying the public access to the countryside,” he said. “Since the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lies across the River Wharfe, only a few minutes’ walk from the Main Street, a proper crossing would benefit local people.”

Mr Young said donations and assistance with the scheme were still being sought and anyone who can help should e-mail stella.read@blueyonder.co.uk