BIG Society ideas look to be in full swing in one South Lakeland village after a new bridge and footpath were opened.

Wheelchair users and families with prams are rejoicing over the 0.8-mile circular route around the Staveley Mill Yard, with its wide and flat path providing an amble suitable for everybody.

One MS sufferer who uses a mobility scooter was among the first to trial out the new route and bridge.

“I think it’s absolutely fantastic and it gives me a wider possibility of getting fresh air - it’s wonderful,” said Jacqueline McDonald, who lives in the village.

“The design of the bridge is very pleasing and it’s a joy to go over.”

Around 50 people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, presided over by Lake District National Park Authority chief executive Richard Leafe, and Cumbria Tourism chairman Eric Robson.

An interpretation panel was also unveiled, which included information on River Kent wildlife written and drawn by Staveley Primary School students.

The board will be changed quarterly to reflect the different animals living in the watercourse in each season.

The £100,000 Staveley Riverside scheme is one of 41 pathways to enter the LDNPA’s Miles Without Stiles project, aimed at making walks suitable for people with limited mobility.

But Mr Leafe wants more to open.

“I love it when a plan comes together and it’s a marvellous thing to see,” he said.

“We’d like to encourage learning from this experience and improve the access arrangements all across the national park.”

Eric Robson also attended the ceremony. He welcomed the new bridge, saying that the work emphasised government plans for local people to take part and volunteer in projects for their community, known as the Big Society.

“We hear so much about localism and this is exactly it.

“This bridge came from a local idea by people in the community, and everybody has got behind it.”