A NEW footpath near Hanningfield Reservoir received a warm welcome from residents when it officially opened this Wednesday.

Built by Essex and Suffolk Water, the path runs from South Hanningfield Tye to the company's fishing lodge on Giffords Lane, South Hanningfield.

Watched by members of South Hanningfield Parish Council and local pupils, Simon Lyster, a non-executive director of the company, cut the ribbon.

The path is 700 yards long and was built as part of ongoing improvement work in and around Hanningfield reservoir.

Philip Schneidau, from South Hanningfield Parish Council, said: "We are very pleased with the new footpath.

"It will provide safe access for the inhabitants of South Hanningfield.

"Those who use it will also have the chance to get closer to nature."