IT took four-and-a-half hours, 40 tonnes of materials and some tough graft, but now a path in Sparsholt is ready for winter thanks to handy villagers.

The 15-strong volunteer group laid scalpings, or rough stones, on the one-kilometre bridleway which runs through Ham Green.

Two local businesses, Bushmoor Farm and Shedding Oaks Cattery, also lent a helping hand with labour and the loan of a dumper truck, powered roller and mini digger.

Ian Hay, of the parish council, and his wife Erica organised the repair day last Saturday and provided lunch. (OCT 25) He said: “We are grateful to everyone that turned up. It went really well and we had a great team of helpers.”

The repair day was originally planned for September 20, but was postponed.

Terry Dunn, of the Ham Green Volunteers, said: “Hopefully the bridleway will now be able to survive the winter rains much better than in previous years.”

It was a joint project between the volunteer group, parish and city councils.