A celebration has been held at the Old Cattle Market in Helston to mark the completion of a project helping more people enjoy the Penrose Estate.

Organisations and community groups gathered for nibbles, drinks, and speeches by Alistair Cameron, Nick Lawrence, Mike Hardy, John Holmes and David Page to mark the success of the Penrose Paths for Community project, which has created new routes, and improved old routes.

This has resulted in better access for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and mobility scooters.

It has included improved surfacing at Helston Drive, a new easy access route to avoid the coast path steps at Tye Rock, a new bridleway route through Higher Penrose Farm and a new boardwalk at Carminowe Creek.

An outdoors guide and map, downloadable walks and a Five Trails booklet have also been produced and will be on sale locally.

Project manager Martin Shaw said: “It's wonderful that the National Trust has taken the bold step to turn some of the permissive routes on their estate to fully adopted rights of way. Local businesses are set to benefit too as these new routes connect the costal path with this wonderful part of the country. ”

The project, funded by Natural England, began in November and reached completion in late March.

Jimmy Scobie, chair of the Cornwall Council Access Forum, said: “The forum applauds the initiative of both Natural England and the National Trust and the skill and effort put in by the trust to deliver this on the ground so promptly.”

Volunteers have helped throughout, including on a new boardwalk that was built at Carminowe Creek by The Conservation Volunteers, Cornwall College and local people, as well as on installing new waymarkers.

Falmouth Packet: