WALKERS, cyclists and horse riders will soon enjoy a bigger and better Kirklees Trail.

Work is about to start to extend the trail, which runs along the former Holcombe Brook branch railway, by one kilometre in Tottington.

The trail runs from the Bull's Head at Greenmount down to Sunnywood Lane. The new extension will push it further southwards to Pickering Close.

The council hopes to eventually extend the trail all the way back into Bury along the old railway track through Woolfold and Woodbank.

Councillor Julie Higson, executive member for environment and transport, said the works should be finished by Christmas.

"The Kirklees Trail will then be able to offer 2.5kms of pleasant off-road path which can cater not just for walkers but cyclists and horse riders.

"The new section runs next to Bowes Close and Keld Close where, when the houses were built in the Eighties, link paths to the old railway were provided. It is nice to know that the trail these paths anticipated is now being created."

The latest work is being funded by the North West Development Agency and will form part of the ambitious National Cycle Network.