A PROJECT to revitalise a riverside path network is continuing with the support of Malton and Norton Lions Club.

The Malton & Norton Area Partnership (MNAP) is working to improve improve the paths between Orchard Fields and The Gannock through Lady Spring Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI),

On Saturday they had the support of members of the Lions Club to help remove old boardwalk wood by the river.

Fiona Croft, of the Riverside Group, said: “Mark, Steve, Russ, Nick, Richard and Jack appeared at 8am with huge tractors, trailers, cranes, dumpers and utter determination to get the enormous pile of wood out of the waterlogged field by the wood, and, with permission of the landowner, to the Gannock car park opposite The Royal Oak in Old Malton.

“All being well, this wood will have been taken away for disposal this week, removal skips being filled as a result of the efforts of a crowd of local volunteers who responded to a call for help from MNAP."

Fiona added: “Publicans Marion and Duncan Hunter provided the skip fillers with complimentary bacon sandwiches and coffee.

“Removal of the tanalised wood, a treatment that prepares wood for use outside, has been a pressing issue since before Christmas, but ground conditions meant that no other source could be found to move it.

“When the Lions offered help, no amount of trying to talk them out of this seemingly crazy plan would put them off, and true to their excellent reputation, they succeeded.

“In six hours, six men moved six 20-cubic yard trailer-loads of wood half a mile across across boggy terrain.

“The volunteers running the Lady Spring Wood Project, Malton & Norton Area Partnership and many more owe the Lions an enormous debt of gratitude.

“Weather conditions have halted further work on the project, but all being well the new bridge installation and further work in Lady Spring Wood will happen just as soon as ground conditions and water levels allow.”

Richard Lukey, Lions Club secretary, said: “Lions are here to help their local community, so when Fiona contacted us we knew we’d like to help, but needed to know how big the job was.

“Lion Mark Harrison, who owns Ryetec took a look at the job and knew that with the equipment he could provide and sufficient pairs of hands we could do the job.

“It was hard work and there are a few creaking Lions as a result - but we all enjoyed it and were only too pleased to be able to assist.”