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.

Bury 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.

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