FOOTPATHS at Brading Marshes have had a £15,000 upgrade.

Isle of Wight Ramblers are celebrating the completion of their major project, which has seen a number of improvements to the area.

Footpath B4 connecting Brading and St Helens has been cleared, waymarked and a stretch re-laid to reduce flooding in this wetland area.

Footpath B2 along the 16th Century embankment has been widened and a new stepped bridge built over the River Yar, and several new gates to replace stiles.

The project was conceived more than a year ago and involved negotiations and agreements with landowners, Natural England and the Environment Agency.

The cost was funded by grants from East Wight Landscape Partnership, Isle of Wight Council and from a legacy fund held by The Ramblers.

David Howarth, area chair of the Isle of Wight Ramblers, said: "I would like to thank everyone for their support with this project and for the work by our volunteers. This is an important wildlife area managed as a wetland adjacent to the RSPB reserve.

"We appreciate the permission given by the landowners. I hope that more people will use this sustainable route for connecting the communities and to appreciate the spectacular wildlife in the lagoons."