An “absolutely beautiful” set of �12,000 improvements to a Crow Country waterway has been unveiled.

Experts from Cambridgeshire County Council worked closely The Friends of the River Shep while improving access to the Shep, in Shepreth.

A team from the authority were spurred on by local people and worked with landowners to create a much improved footpath - opening up the route for people of all abilities.

County Councillor Susan Van De Ven, said: “The footpath has completely transformed that stretch of the river and ensures people can again experience that stretch of the River Shep.

“I went down to see it and it’s absolutely beautiful and it’s typical of the kind of work that’s going on around the river.

“It makes people curious about who does the work and how they have managed to make such a big difference and it will encourage new people to get involved in river restoration.”

The path used to have two stiles and was littered with tree roots, as well as sloping towards the river, making it difficult for the elderly and disabled to access the Shep.

It has now been widened to 1.2 metres, resurfaced and the stiles removed.

The initial vegetation clearance work was carried out by the landowner and local volunteers, with the council forking out �12,000 for the path.

The new footpath is the first phase of a larger project and the Friends of the River Shep have secured funding to start work on a river habitat restoration scheme.